1. Chapter Two – Exploring the Americas (1400-1625) 1
Section 1 – A Changing World
Expanding Horizons (p )
Question: Why do you think Western
European explorers found Asia so interesting?
II. Powerful Nations Emerge (p )
Question: Why was it necessary for mon-
archs to work at building powerful and
wealthy countries?
III. Technology’s Impact (p )
Question: How does modern technology
Make our lives easier?

2. Chapter Two – Exploring the Americas (1400-1625) 2
IV. African kingdoms (p )
Question: Why did great empires arise in
Africa?
Section 2: Early Exploration
Seeking New Trade Routes (p. 444)
Question: Why do you think the Portuguese
began buying slaves from West Africa?
II. Columbus Crosses the Atlantic (p )
Question: Why did European explorers
attempt these difficult journeys?

3. Chapter Two – Exploring the Americas (1400-1625) 3
Section 3 – Spain in America
Spanish Conquistadors (p )
Question: What personality traits do you
think the conquistadors might have had?
II. Spain in North America (p )
Question: What similarities do you see be-
tween these early conquistadors and the
immigrants of today who are settling in the
United States?
III. Spanish Rule (p )
Question: Why do you think the social class
system developed in the Americas?

4. Chapter Two – Exploring the Americas (1400-1625) 4
Section 4 – Exploring North
America
A Divided Church (p )
Question: Why do you think Martin Luther
had so many followers?
II. Economic Rivalry (p )
Question: Why was it important for Euro-
peans to compete for territory in the
Americas?