Q1. What was the role of the Dutch East India Company, founded in 1602?
- It focused on developing trade routes in the Americas
- It helped establish English dominance in India
- It was responsible for Dutch control of the spice trade in Asia
- It facilitated the colonization of Africa
Correct Option: 3. It was responsible for Dutch control of the spice trade in Asia.
Explanation: The Dutch East India Company, founded in 1602, was the vehicle for Dutch efforts to control the spice trade in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia. It was granted a monopoly and the power to wage war, negotiate treaties, and build forts.
Q2. What was the key economic resource that Europe obtained from Africa in the 15th century?
- Spices
- Slaves
- Gold and ivory
- Cotton
Correct Option: 3. Gold and ivory.
Explanation: Initially, European traders were attracted to Africa by its gold and ivory. However, by the 16th century, the transatlantic slave trade became a more prominent part of European-African trade, overshadowing the initial focus on gold and ivory.
Q3. How did the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 influence the European power balance?
- It weakened Spanish naval power and allowed England and the Netherlands to join the race for trade in Asia
- It allowed Spain to dominate trade in Asia
- It marked the beginning of Dutch naval supremacy
- It led to the end of the Portuguese Empire
Correct Option: 1. It weakened Spanish naval power and allowed England and the Netherlands to join the race for trade in Asia.
Explanation: The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 significantly weakened Spain’s naval power, allowing England and the Netherlands to expand their maritime influence and enter the competition for overseas trade, particularly in Asia.
Q4. Which of the following was a key product exported from India by the Dutch in the 17th century?
- Tobacco
- Timber
- Silver
- Indigo
Correct Option: 4. Indigo.
Explanation: The Dutch, along with other European powers, exported products such as indigo, raw silk, cotton textiles, saltpetre, and opium from India during the 17th century. These goods were in high demand in Europe.
Q5. What was the “triangular trade” in which European merchants engaged, particularly in the 16th century?
- The exchange of goods between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, including the slave trade
- The transfer of spices between Europe, Asia, and Africa
- The trade of silk, gold, and silver between Europe, Asia, and the Americas
- The circulation of raw materials between Europe, India, and China
Correct Option: 1. The exchange of goods between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, including the slave trade.
Explanation: The “triangular trade” refers to the exchange system in which European merchants transported goods (like firearms, textiles, and alcohol) to Africa, traded them for slaves, then transported the slaves to the Americas. In return, they brought goods such as sugar, cotton, tobacco, and precious metals back to Europe.