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Study Guide: Sir Martin Frobisher: Explorer and Naval Commander

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Sir Martin Frobisher: Explorer and Naval Commander Study Guide

Early Life and Maritime Beginnings

Sir Martin Frobisher's primary renown stems not from his involvement as an English merchant in the spice trade, but rather from his significant contributions as a mariner and explorer.

Answer: True

Explanation: While Frobisher engaged in maritime activities, his principal fame derives from his naval career and Arctic explorations, not from merchant involvement in the spice trade.

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Martin Frobisher's place of birth is recorded not as London, but as Altofts, Yorkshire, with his birth year estimated around 1535.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records indicate Martin Frobisher was likely born in Altofts, Yorkshire, around 1535, rather than in London.

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Contrary to the notion of extensive formal schooling in London preparing him for law, Frobisher's early education was rudimentary, and he was exposed to trade and maritime affairs through his relatives.

Answer: True

Explanation: Frobisher received a basic education and was sent to London to live with his uncle, Sir John York, a figure involved in trade, rather than pursuing formal schooling for a legal career.

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The 1553 English expedition to West Africa, in which Frobisher participated, proved to be a disastrous undertaking, marked by high mortality and minimal profit.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1553 expedition to West Africa, led by Thomas Wyndham, was largely calamitous. Disease decimated the crew, and Frobisher was among the few survivors who returned to England, with the venture yielding little profit.

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During a 1554 expedition to Portuguese Guinea, Frobisher was indeed taken hostage by the Portuguese and imprisoned for an extended period.

Answer: True

Explanation: While attempting to facilitate trade, Frobisher volunteered as a hostage. However, he was abandoned by his fleet and subsequently imprisoned by the Portuguese for approximately nine months before his eventual return to England.

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Evidence suggests that Frobisher was implicated in questionable maritime activities prior to his renowned Arctic voyages.

Answer: True

Explanation: Records indicate Frobisher was involved in activities such as a plot to attack a Portuguese fortress and participating in the seizure of ships, suggesting a history of operating in legally ambiguous maritime spheres.

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Frobisher's first marriage was not to Dorothy Wentworth; his first wife was Isobel Richard, and Dorothy Wentworth was a later spouse.

Answer: True

Explanation: Frobisher's first marriage was to Isobel Richard. Dorothy Wentworth was a later wife, and the assertion of her providing significant financial backing for his early ventures is not supported.

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According to the provided source material, what were Sir Martin Frobisher's principal occupations?

Answer: Sea captain and privateer

Explanation: The source identifies Sir Martin Frobisher primarily as a sea captain and privateer, roles that defined his active maritime career.

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Based on available historical evidence, where is Martin Frobisher believed to have been born?

Answer: Altofts, Yorkshire, England

Explanation: Historical consensus places Martin Frobisher's birth in Altofts, Yorkshire, England, around the year 1535.

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What was the ultimate outcome for Frobisher and the crew involved in the 1553 expedition to West Africa?

Answer: It was disastrous, with most of the crew dying from disease.

Explanation: The 1553 expedition to West Africa was severely hampered by disease, which claimed the lives of most of the crew, including its leader. Frobisher was among the few survivors who returned to England.

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During the 1554 expedition, approximately how long was Frobisher held captive by the Portuguese?

Answer: About nine months

Explanation: Following an incident during the 1554 expedition, Frobisher was imprisoned by the Portuguese for a period of approximately nine months before his eventual release and return to England.

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Prior to his significant Arctic voyages, which of the following activities did Frobisher engage in?

Answer: Participating in the seizure of ships and plotting attacks

Explanation: Before his Arctic expeditions, Frobisher was involved in privateering and other maritime activities, including the seizure of ships and participation in plots, reflecting a career marked by daring and sometimes illicit ventures.

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In what manner did Sir John York influence Frobisher's formative years?

Answer: He was a maternal relative who provided lodging and exposure to trade.

Explanation: Sir John York served as a maternal relative to Frobisher, offering him lodging and exposure to opportunities in London during his youth. York, a prosperous merchant and influential personality, perceived Frobisher's potential.

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The Arctic Expeditions: Goals and Discoveries

Martin Frobisher's expeditions to the New World ultimately succeeded in discovering and charting the elusive Northwest Passage.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite extensive efforts across three voyages, Frobisher's expeditions failed to discover or successfully map the Northwest Passage. His explorations charted parts of the Canadian Arctic, but the sought-after route to Asia remained undiscovered by him.

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During his exploratory voyages, Sir Martin Frobisher charted regions that are now recognized as part of Canada's Arctic territory.

Answer: True

Explanation: Frobisher's expeditions in the late 16th century explored areas of the Canadian Arctic, including Baffin Island and the inlet that bears his name, Frobisher Bay.

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England's pursuit of a northern sea route during the 16th century was primarily motivated by the desire to establish trade connections with Asia, not the Americas.

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary objective of seeking a northern sea route was to find a passage to Asia (Cathay and the East Indies), thereby bypassing established routes controlled by rival European powers.

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Michael Lok, a director of the Muscovy Company, played a crucial role in facilitating Frobisher's acquisition of the necessary license and capital for his inaugural Arctic voyage.

Answer: True

Explanation: Michael Lok was instrumental in securing the Muscovy Company's license for Frobisher's 1576 expedition and assisted in raising the required funds, underscoring the importance of commercial patronage in exploration.

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Frobisher's first voyage in 1576 was undertaken with a modest fleet of small vessels, notably lacking any large, 100-ton galleons.

Answer: True

Explanation: The first voyage in 1576 comprised three small vessels: the barques *Gabriel* and *Michael*, each approximately 20-25 tons, and a 10-ton pinnace, rather than larger ships.

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During the first voyage, following the capture of five of his men by local Inuit, Frobisher retaliated by taking an Inuit individual hostage.

Answer: True

Explanation: On August 18, 1576, after five of his men were captured by Inuit, Frobisher took an Inuit man hostage in an attempt to secure the release of his crew.

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Contrary to the assertion, Frobisher's second voyage in 1577 was significantly larger in scale and resources compared to his initial expedition.

Answer: True

Explanation: The second voyage in 1577 was substantially larger, featuring the Queen's ship *Ayde* (200 tons) and a crew of approximately 120 men, indicating increased investment and resources.

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The primary objective of Frobisher's third voyage in 1578 was indeed the establishment of a colony in the territory explored on previous expeditions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The third voyage in 1578 was specifically equipped and intended to establish a settlement of 100 men in the region Queen Elizabeth I had named 'Meta Incognita'.

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The waterway identified as the 'Mistaken Strait' during the third voyage was not the correct Northwest Passage, but rather a different, significant channel.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Mistaken Strait,' now known as Hudson Strait, was encountered during the third voyage. Frobisher sailed partway up this waterway, but it was not the Northwest Passage he sought, and he reluctantly turned back.

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The primary objective of Frobisher's three voyages was not the establishment of agricultural colonies, but rather the discovery of a westward passage to Asia.

Answer: True

Explanation: While the third voyage aimed to establish a colony, the overarching primary goal of all three expeditions was the discovery of the Northwest Passage, a trade route to Asia.

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What was the principal objective motivating Martin Frobisher's three voyages to the New World?

Answer: To find a westward sea route to Asia (the Northwest Passage)

Explanation: The primary objective of Frobisher's expeditions was the discovery of a navigable Northwest Passage, a sea route intended to facilitate westward travel to Asia.

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Which specific geographical region was explored by Martin Frobisher during his notable expeditions?

Answer: Parts of Canada's Arctic, including Baffin Island

Explanation: Frobisher's voyages concentrated on the Canadian Arctic, leading him to explore areas such as Baffin Island and the inlet subsequently named Frobisher Bay.

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What was the primary strategic purpose behind England's concerted efforts to find a northern sea route during the 16th century?

Answer: To establish trade routes to Asia, bypassing rivals

Explanation: The principal aim of England's search for a northern sea route was to discover a passage to Asia, thereby circumventing the established maritime trade routes controlled by competing European powers.

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Identify Michael Lok and describe his specific role in facilitating Frobisher's first voyage.

Answer: A director of the Muscovy Company who helped license the expedition

Explanation: Michael Lok was a director of the Muscovy Company who played a pivotal role in securing the official license for Frobisher's first voyage in 1576. He further contributed by assisting in the mobilization of essential capital for the expedition.

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What was the approximate tonnage of the principal vessels employed during Frobisher's inaugural voyage?

Answer: Between 20-25 tons

Explanation: The primary vessels utilized in Frobisher's first voyage were the barques *Gabriel* and *Michael*, each approximately 20 to 25 tons displacement.

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Describe the events that transpired during Frobisher's encounter with local Inuit on August 18, 1576.

Answer: Frobisher's men were captured, and he took an Inuit hostage.

Explanation: During his first voyage, after five of his men were captured by Inuit, Frobisher took an Inuit individual hostage in an attempt to negotiate their return.

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What ultimately became of the Inuit individuals who were brought back to England from Frobisher's expeditions?

Answer: They died shortly after arrival due to disease and the environment.

Explanation: The Inuit individuals brought to England met tragic ends. On the first voyage, one man perished from the cold. During the second voyage, three Inuit individuals succumbed shortly after arrival, likely due to exposure to disease and the alien environment.

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What designation did Queen Elizabeth I bestow upon the territory explored by Frobisher in the Canadian Arctic?

Answer: Meta Incognita

Explanation: Queen Elizabeth I named the newly explored territory in the Canadian Arctic 'Meta Incognita,' signifying its unknown and uncharted nature.

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What were the principal factors contributing to the failure of the third voyage's objective to establish a colony?

Answer: Severe storms, ice, and internal disputes prevented settlement.

Explanation: The attempt to establish a colony during the third voyage was thwarted by a combination of severe weather conditions, ice, and internal discord among the expedition members.

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What does Queen Elizabeth I's designation of 'Meta Incognita' signify regarding her involvement in Frobisher's expeditions?

Answer: She named the territory, showing royal interest and patronage.

Explanation: Queen Elizabeth I's act of naming the explored territory 'Meta Incognita' demonstrates her direct interest and active patronage of Frobisher's exploratory endeavors. This royal endorsement underscores the perceived strategic and economic significance attributed to these ventures.

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Resource Exploitation and Financial Ventures

On his second voyage, Frobisher returned with a significant quantity of ore that was initially believed, based on assay reports, to be valuable gold.

Answer: True

Explanation: Although Frobisher brought back approximately 200 short tons of ore from his second voyage, it was initially believed to be gold-bearing due to assay reports. However, subsequent smelting attempts revealed it to be worthless rock.

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The financial outcome of Frobisher's Arctic ventures was the bankruptcy of the Cathay Company, largely precipitated by the shipment of ore that proved to be worthless.

Answer: True

Explanation: The failure to find gold and the subsequent realization that the collected ore was valueless led to substantial financial losses, ultimately resulting in the bankruptcy of the Cathay Company.

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The initial belief that the ore brought back by Frobisher contained gold was fostered by the claims of certain assayers, despite conflicting opinions.

Answer: True

Explanation: While an Italian alchemist claimed the ore contained gold, multiple other assayers declared it worthless. The initial belief was thus based on a misleading claim rather than consensus.

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On his second voyage, what substance did Frobisher mistakenly believe to be valuable, only for it to be later determined as worthless?

Answer: A valuable mineral ore containing gold

Explanation: Frobisher returned with a large quantity of ore from his second voyage, which he believed to be gold-bearing. However, subsequent assays proved it to be worthless rock.

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What was the ultimate financial consequence for the Cathay Company resulting from Frobisher's Arctic expeditions?

Answer: It was dissolved due to bankruptcy from worthless ore.

Explanation: The Cathay Company ultimately faced bankruptcy and dissolution due to the financial losses incurred from the worthless ore collected during Frobisher's expeditions.

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Define the 'Cathay Company' and articulate its primary objective.

Answer: An enterprise formed to find the Northwest Passage and exploit resources.

Explanation: The 'Cathay Company' constituted an enterprise established by English investors with the dual objective of discovering a Northwest Passage to Asia (Cathay) and exploiting any valuable resources encountered within the newly explored territories.

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What was the principal factor contributing to the initial perception of value associated with the ore Frobisher collected?

Answer: An Italian alchemist claimed it contained gold.

Explanation: The initial belief in the ore's value was primarily due to claims made by an Italian alchemist, Giovanni Battista Agnello, who asserted it contained gold, despite contradictory assessments from other experts.

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Legacy and Commemoration

Sir Martin Frobisher's legacy is commemorated through geographical features in Canada, most notably Frobisher Bay.

Answer: True

Explanation: The significant inlet in Nunavut, Canada, known as Frobisher Bay, is named in honor of the explorer's voyages to the region.

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Frobisher's voyages were not insignificant; they represented crucial early endeavors that contributed substantially to England's burgeoning maritime ambitions and geographical knowledge.

Answer: True

Explanation: Frobisher's expeditions were pivotal in advancing England's exploration efforts and maritime ambitions during the Age of Discovery, despite not achieving all their immediate objectives.

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The capital city of Nunavut, Iqaluit, was indeed formerly designated as Frobisher Bay.

Answer: True

Explanation: Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, was known as Frobisher Bay from 1942 until 1987, reflecting the historical significance of the bay named after the explorer.

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The Royal Navy cruiser HMS *Frobisher*, named in honor of the explorer, was indeed scrapped in 1949.

Answer: True

Explanation: The HMS *Frobisher*, a *Hawkins*-class cruiser, was named in honor of Sir Martin Frobisher and was ultimately decommissioned and scrapped in 1949.

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Sir Martin Frobisher's legacy is recognized in urban geography, including a street named Frobisher Crescent in London.

Answer: True

Explanation: The commemoration of Sir Martin Frobisher extends to place names, such as Frobisher Crescent in London, acknowledging his historical significance.

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Which of the following geographical features or entities is named in honor of Martin Frobisher?

Answer: A bay in Nunavut, Canada

Explanation: Frobisher Bay, a significant inlet located in Nunavut, Canada, is named in recognition of Sir Martin Frobisher's explorations in the region.

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Contextual and Metadata Information

The presence of a 'Needs additional citations' notice indicates that the information presented lacks sufficient supporting references and requires verification through external scholarly or primary sources.

Answer: True

Explanation: A 'Needs additional citations' notice signifies that the information presented lacks adequate corroboration within the source material and necessitates external verification for academic rigor.

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The 'Authority control databases' section serves to link to resources that facilitate the cataloging and verification of information pertaining to historical figures.

Answer: True

Explanation: Authority control databases, such as VIAF and ISNI, provide standardized identifiers and links to bibliographic records, aiding in the precise identification and cross-referencing of historical figures across various collections.

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'Navbox' templates are not primarily for displaying images, but rather function as navigational aids connecting related articles.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Navbox' templates are designed to provide navigational links to related topics, historical periods, or key figures within a larger subject area, rather than serving as image galleries.

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What implication does the 'Needs additional citations' notice carry regarding the information presented in a given section?

Answer: The information requires further verification from external sources.

Explanation: The notation 'Needs additional citations' signifies that the information presented lacks adequate corroboration within the source material and necessitates verification through external scholarly or primary sources.

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