Who began the first successful expedition to circumnavigate the Earth?

• A. Christopher Columbus
• B. Ferdinand Magellan
• C. James Cook
• D. Vasco da Gama

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is who launched the first voyage that successfully circumnavigated the globe. Ferdinand Magellan organized and led the expedition that set out from Spain in 1519 with several ships, aiming to reach the Spice Islands by sailing west. Although Magellan did not survive the journey, his fleet continued under Juan Sebastián Elcano and completed the circumnavigation, returning to Spain in 1522. This makes Magellan the one who began the first successful circumnavigation.

Columbus opened transatlantic routes but never circumnavigated the world. James Cook conducted major Pacific exploration, but the first complete circumnavigation was already achieved during Magellan’s expedition. Vasco da Gama found a sea route to India by sail around Africa and did not circle the globe.