Which term is a small, highly maneuverable three-masted ship used by the Portuguese and Spanish in the exploration of the Atlantic?

Which term is a small, highly maneuverable three-masted ship used by the Portuguese and Spanish in the exploration of the Atlantic?

• A. Gunpowder
• B. Vikings
• C. Caravel
• D. Trebuchet

Answer: (C)

The key idea is recognizing a ship type prized for speed, agility, and long-range Atlantic travel. The caravel was developed by the Portuguese in the 15th century specifically to explore and sail along Africa’s coast and across the Atlantic. Its small size and shallow draft allowed near-shore navigation and river work, while three masts and lateen sails gave exceptional maneuverability and the ability to tack against favorable or adverse winds. This combination made caravels the backbone of early Atlantic exploration for Portugal and Spain, enabling deeper voyages and discoveries. The other options don’t fit: gunpowder is a weapon, Vikings refers to Norse longships used earlier in history, and a trebuchet is a siege engine, not a ship.

The key idea is recognizing a ship type prized for speed, agility, and long-range Atlantic travel. The caravel was developed by the Portuguese in the 15th century specifically to explore and sail along Africa’s coast and across the Atlantic. Its small size and shallow draft allowed near-shore navigation and river work, while three masts and lateen sails gave exceptional maneuverability and the ability to tack against favorable or adverse winds. This combination made caravels the backbone of early Atlantic exploration for Portugal and Spain, enabling deeper voyages and discoveries. The other options don’t fit: gunpowder is a weapon, Vikings refers to Norse longships used earlier in history, and a trebuchet is a siege engine, not a ship.