Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America? Options

[panaginip13]

Okay, so I searched for a topic on this, and couldn't find one so I decided to make one. If there is a topic on this, feel free to close this and smack me upside the head for my inability to find things.

Columbus is often known as the discoverer of America. He came across America during his exploration and shared his discovery with Europe. This caused more Europeans to explore and settle in America, helping make America what it is today. However, some do not think that Columbus discovered America because of the Vikings and Native Americans that were there before him and for many other reasons.

Should Columbus be the one credited for discovering America? If not, who should be?

[sadolakced acid]

columbus did do something, yes. it was quite important, but he didn't discover it...

there are just too many ways in which he is less a candidate for the discoverer of america to count him as such- like, he didn't know it wasn't india.

columbus had a part. he created a record of the new world, although he didn't know it was new. His voyage helped spark the age of exploration. regardless of the achievements, it cannot be called a discovery.

[Spirited Away]

columbus did do something, yes.  it was quite important, but he didn't discover it...

there are just too many ways in which he is less a candidate for the discoverer of america to count him as such- like, he didn't know it wasn't india.

columbus had a part. he created a record of the new world, although he didn't know it was new.  His voyage helped spark the age of exploration.  regardless of the achievements, it cannot be called a discovery.

Wait, so because he didn't know or understand what he found, he shouldn're receive credit?

You know, I used to be very routine, doing everything in succession. One day, after recovering from a slight depression that lasted a month or so, I did things so spontaneously. I did things I didn't know I would do, things that weren't planned or expected of me. I didn't even know that I was different, but I liked the feeling so I kept on.

But now, after 2 years and having a better understanding of "self", I realized what happened. That and my Mom told me that I changed for the better. I discovered a new me, someone that I could like. It was a discovery. My Mother made me realize that I was different. Had she not said anything, I wouldn't have made that revelation. So is she the one who should receive credit for my "new self" or should I receive credit? I found a new way to live. She simply pointed it out.

That's why I stress that time reveals all. Knowledge of geography was rather limitted, he couldn't have understand what it was he founded. He founded it and brought the knowledge that "India" was there. People simply pointed out that it wasn't India but retained the knowledge that there's land. I once speculated that he didn't dare deny that he never reached India because he feared the King and Queen, so he pressed that he had reached India until he died. Of course, that's not what history says, but one could speculate.

Anyway, I think I said all I could say in this debate, saying anymore will make me a broken record.