I have to write an essay about if I think Columbus Day should be celebrated or not. I have decided to take the approach talking about how he really wasn't the first to discover America, unlike kids are taught in elementary school. The problem is, who really was the first to discover America? The Vikings, or was it Amerigo Vespucci? Or should I mention both in my essay?

Thanks in advance. :)

That's easy --

Native Americans discovered the Americas over 10,000 years ago. They came from northeast Asia and lived here long, long before the Vikings or Columbus sailed here.

The Vikings were apparently the first Europeans to find America.

When writing your essay about whether Columbus Day should be celebrated or not, discussing the alternative theories about the discovery of America can be an interesting approach. It is important to mention both the Vikings and Amerigo Vespucci to provide a well-rounded argument.

1. Vikings: The Vikings, specifically Norse explorer Leif Erikson, are believed to have reached North America before Columbus. Around the year 1000, Erikson sailed from Greenland to an area that is now known as Newfoundland, Canada. This evidence suggests that Europeans had knowledge of the continent before Columbus's voyage in 1492. You can mention this as an example of how Columbus was not the first to discover America.

2. Amerigo Vespucci: While Columbus was indeed among the first European explorers to establish contact with the Americas, Amerigo Vespucci was the one who realized that the newly discovered lands were not Asia, as Columbus had originally believed, but an entirely new continent. Vespucci's letters and maps played a significant role in promoting the concept of a "New World." Including this information showcases how the concept of discovery can be attributed to multiple individuals, rather than solely Columbus.

In your essay, you could discuss the Vikings as precursors who may have discovered America first and mention Vespucci as the one who helped redefine the understanding of the discovered lands. Emphasize that Columbus's voyages were significant but not the sole factors in the discovery of America.

Remember, the purpose of your essay is to present a well-reasoned argument, so focus on providing evidence, examples, and logical explanations to support your viewpoint. Include references and citations to back up your claims and make your essay more robust. Good luck with your writing!