Which statement correctly describes the Northwest Passage?

Which statement correctly describes the Northwest Passage?

• A. A land route through North America
• B. A treaty with Native American tribes
• C. An economic policy to regulate trade
• D. Sought-for water route through North America - Europeans wanted a sea route to Asia

Answer: (D)

Think of the Northwest Passage as a potential sea shortcut. It would be a water route through the northern edge of North America, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. European explorers pursued this path because a direct sea route to Asia would shorten travel time and trade routes, making it cheaper and faster to reach Asian markets. It’s not a land route, a treaty with Native tribes, or an economic policy. Those ideas describe different things, whereas the Northwest Passage refers to a possible ocean route through North America.

Think of the Northwest Passage as a potential sea shortcut. It would be a water route through the northern edge of North America, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. European explorers pursued this path because a direct sea route to Asia would shorten travel time and trade routes, making it cheaper and faster to reach Asian markets.

It’s not a land route, a treaty with Native tribes, or an economic policy. Those ideas describe different things, whereas the Northwest Passage refers to a possible ocean route through North America.