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America is recognized as being discovered by Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer sailing in the name of Spain trying to find an alternate trade route to Asia. His idea was to cross the Atlantic, as he believed Asia was just across. He expected a short trip, but the trip was much longer than expected. Land was finally seen and the boat was docked. He and his men then came face to face with Native Americans, whom they thought were Indians (which explains why Native Americans are sometimes referred to as Indians) as they thought to have landed in Asia and the people resembled Indians. It was not known for years after Columbus' death that he had actually discovered a new continent of America.

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