lol, is it true that when Americans read that "Columbus discovered America" they think that Columbus...?

Question

discovered what is today the USA?

Answer 1

Only if they are total idiots.

So in other words, about 3/4 of the country.

But the other twenty-five percent of us do actually have a clue you know.

Answer 2

There are probably some that do. I remember when I was a little kid, I thought that Columbus was the captain of the Mayflower and brought the pilgrims over. I guess I liked it all done in one nice neat little package.

Today, I know that the pilgrims and Columbus had nothing to do with each other and were not even in the same century. I also know that Columbus did not really discover the Americas. North America had been discovered earlier by vikings (at least partially) and both North and South America had pretty much completely discovered by the original inhabitants. However, Columbus discovered it for the Europeans. That was good enough for him. I also know that he did not realize that he had discovered a couple of new continents. He thought that he had landed in the Indies.

Answer 3

Being of part Native American part European descent I find the question a paradox. First off my Native American ancestors didn't know they were "discovered" by anyone. They felt they had discovered Europeans.

Secondly, Columbus was lost and stumbled into a land that he didn't know existed. The Spanish under the direction of the Roman Catholic Church are responsible for the "discovery" theory as a way to take credit for what was to become nothing more than conquest of peoples and lands.

A more general answer to your question I think could be found in the fact that most people only learn history at an elementary level, after which they turn their interests to other things besides history. (Ignorance is bliss.)

Answer 4

Remember first of all that the US is not the only country in the "Americas". Atlough he "found" land in the west indies, he though it was India. And he could not have "discovered" land if ppl were already there. The land was already discovered. So firstly for one to assume that "Columbus discovered America" means the US its it naivete and he didn't really discover anything anyways. He should just change the name of October 12th holiday to Day of the Americas - I thought this was the new name already but I dunno. One thing he did do was let the rest of the world know that we existed and caused a whole lotta Africans to die thru slavery.

Answer 5

tens of millions of Italian immigrants pushed for Columbus Day. ultimately the textbooks began to offer Columbus credit for gaining understanding of u . s . a . of america - which he did not do. the closest he got here exchange into Cuba. Columbus died believing he had got here across India (hence the interior sight individuals have been pronounced as Indians.). it is not a large deal, yet make it into something that's isn't one way or the different. maximum individuals do not even bear in mind Columbus as quickly as they end severe college. individuals who've attended a school or college comprehend the invention of u . s . a . of america exchange into not made by making use of Columbus.

Answer 6

Columbus was a terrible stupid person who understood nothing. he did not discover america. Everyone learns at 3 or 4 grade.

Answer 7

Anyone who has at least a smattering of education in US History knows that he did not discover what is now America. He actually thought he discovered the East Indies anyway...

Answer 8

He discovered Cuba and Puerto Rico. never set foot in America.

Answer 9

Lol. Is it true that everyone outside of this country thinks that all Americans are fat stupid bafoons who are obsessed with reality TV and incapable of intelligent thought?

FYI rest of the world... we're not all as dumb as our celebrities and political leaders make us look.