HISET Social Studies Practice

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Study for the HISET Social Studies Test. Access practice exams and detailed explanations to boost your confidence. Prepare effectively and succeed in your test!

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What year did Christopher Columbus first sight land in the New World?

1492
1514
1607
1776

The correct answer is: 1492

Christopher Columbus first sighted land in the New World in the year 1492. This year is significant in history because it marks the beginning of European exploration and colonization of the Americas. Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, made his famous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean in search of a westward route to Asia. Instead, he reached the islands of the Caribbean, specifically landing on what is now part of the Bahamas. This event had profound implications for the course of world history, leading to the eventual establishment of European settlements in the Americas and significant changes in global trade, culture, and politics. The other years listed do not coincide with Columbus's initial journey to the New World. For example, 1514 is notable for other explorations, but not Columbus's. The year 1607 is recognized for the founding of Jamestown, and 1776 is the year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, both of which came long after Columbus’s first voyage.