Weekend Wrapup

Respectfully, that's an awful way to think about the historical significance of Columbus's discovery.

Columbus's voyage westward absolutely changed the course of world history by beginning an era of colonization and exploration. While Leif Erikson was the first European to find the western continents, there was no profitability at the time in going west -- why settle even further west when most nordic explorers could trade, settle, or raid in Europe? That's why his discovery remained under the radar.

Columbus's exploration was timed with relative peace. The Reconquista had just finished (his voyage was sanctioned mere months after its closure), and the now unified Spain could focus outward. By finding the Americas, Columbus sparked excitement in travel. It opened up the Spanish and Portuguese colonial empires that would eventually be challenged by France, England, and eventually the Dutch (who gained power in part by revolting against the Spanish). This colonial era shaped the planet in ways we all benefitted or suffered from.

You're right that the continents were already settled. And we should have a larger interest in the indigenous civilizations ranging from the Inuit peoples in the north all the way down to the Inca in the south (to name two). But to dismiss the discovery as "you can't discover a place" is wrong.

Here in America, it should absolutely be Indigenous Peoples Day considering we are awful at studying and incorporating the natives into our lives. Generating interest in the natives is a good thing.

But we shouldn't forget Columbus. If anything, we should remember his accomplishments and sins so we can learn from it.

/r/nfl Thread Parent