James Cook

Question 1

When was James Cook born?

Answer 1

October 27, 1728

Question 2

Where was James Cook born?

Answer 2

Marton, Yorkshire, England

Question 3

What profession did James Cook’s father have?

Answer 3

Scottish farm laborer

Question 4

How did James Cook develop his interest in navigation and cartography?

Answer 4

He apprenticed with a shipowner in Whitby

Question 5

Which naval force did James Cook join in 1755?

Answer 5

The Royal Navy

Question 6

What is James Cook best known for?

Answer 6

His three major voyages of discovery in the Pacific Ocean

Question 7

What significant accomplishment did Cook achieve on his first voyage?

Answer 7

Charting the coasts of New Zealand and Australia

Question 8

During which voyage did Cook become the first European to land in Hawaii?

Answer 8

His third voyage in 1778

Question 9

Which two islands did James Cook circumnavigate and map for the first time?

Answer 9

The North and South islands of New Zealand

Question 10

Which myth about a southern continent did James Cook disprove?

Answer 10

The existence of Terra Australis

Question 11

What period in history did James Cook live through?

Answer 11

The Age of Enlightenment

Question 12

What was the purpose of Cook’s voyages during the Age of Enlightenment?

Answer 12

To expand geographical knowledge and aid in territorial expansion

Question 13

How did James Cook influence cartography?

Answer 13

By creating highly accurate maps and charts of the Pacific regions

Question 14

What was one of Cook’s contributions to sailors’ health?

Answer 14

Helping to prevent scurvy through better nutrition

Question 15

What ultimately happened to James Cook in 1779?

Answer 15

He was killed during a confrontation with Native Hawaiians

Question 16

What is one of the controversial aspects of Cook’s legacy?

Answer 16

The impact of his expeditions on indigenous cultures

Question 17

What animals accompanied Cook on his first voyage to provide fresh milk?

Answer 17

A goat

Question 18

What was a funny fact about the goat on Cook’s voyage?

Answer 18

It was granted a royal pension for its ‘service’ upon returning to England

Question 19

What landmark in New Zealand is named after James Cook?

Answer 19

Cook Strait

Question 20

What event in 1770 almost led to Cook’s shipwreck?

Answer 20

Hitting the Great Barrier Reef

Question 21

How are Cook’s maps described in terms of accuracy?

Answer 21

They remained in use well into the 20th century

Question 22

What approach did Cook take to improve sailors’ health on long voyages?

Answer 22

Including a diet rich in vitamin C to prevent scurvy

Question 23

Why did Cook’s expeditions lead to re-evaluation of his legacy?

Answer 23

Because of the negative impacts of European colonization on indigenous populations

Question 24

How many children did James Cook have?

Answer 24

Six

Question 25

Who funded Cook’s voyages and why?

Answer 25

The British Admiralty and the Royal Society, for scientific exploration and territorial expansion

Question 26

What were the names of Cook’s ships on his voyages?

Answer 26

HMS Endeavour (first voyage), HMS Resolution (second and third voyages)

Question 27

What was the outcome of Cook’s second voyage (1772–1775)?

Answer 27

He disproved the existence of a large southern continent