why does columbus get credit for "discovering" land that was already inhabited?

Answer 1

He got credit because even know the land was already inhabited it was a discovery to the people of Spain. Nobody knew there was any land on the other side of the world because noone had explored it yet.

Answer 2

Ironic, since Columbus never actually set foot on the continent, only the carribean islands. Remember, we are talking about a man that came from a society that had recently had to come to grips that Earth was not the center of the universe. So in their self centered, close minded eyes, they did discover America, and yes, those who succede in the decimation and subjagation of entire peoples do get to write the history books, however false, twisted, and backwards they may be.
"He who knows the past controlls the present, he who controlls the present controlls the future" - Rage Against The Machine

Answer 3

I discover that you asked this question even though other people answered it before me. I discovered I like hot chocolate even though lots of other people already discovered that before me. The same goes for Columbus-- when he found the americas he discovered it for people who did not know it existed However, should he be given credit: that is a whole different question I certainly did not get credit for discovering hot chocolate

Answer 4

The Europeans were the great explorers who created the first maps of the world. "Discovery" really refers to the addition of previously unknown lands to these maps, and the spreading of this knowlege throughout the world (Europe, and the lands Europe was in contact with all shared these maps).

So Abel Tasman also "discovered" Australia, Captain Cook "discovered" New Zealand, Livingstone "discovered" parts of central Africa, etc. -- in all these cases the lands were previously blanked white (as unknown / unexplored) on the world maps.

Answer 5

I thought the Vikings discovered it first then didn't want it so they left it. Then along comes Columbus. I don't see why he got credit for it since he thought it was India.

Answer 6

Actually Leif Ericson discovered the Americas.

Answer 7

Interesting question. Seeing as the Norse came to America centuries before the Europeans. Not to mention the fact that it was already inhabited.
Columbus was a murderer.

Answer 8

Because he was a white man if you need more proof continue reading and it will be all explained to you......... There has not been one Black man or Oriental that has gotten into the history books for doing what any white man has done.... Even when the Chinese were the first to discover America while the white man was still living in caves.............. And did you know that the American Indians that were living here are more closely related to the Chinese and Black blood line and they were here 25000 years before the white man accidental sailed here................................... Also these are all historical fact that can be found on your computer and your local library................................. Now how much reading have you done.................................................................................

Answer 9

It's for a pretty stupid reason...just because the Europeas did not "discover" the land yet...he got the credit. Stupid, huh? And they even gave him a holiday...

Answer 10

I was thinking that same thing earlier.. Not only was it inhabited already, but other explorers had been to places like Newfoundland hundreds of years earlier (Vikings, etc)...