Christopher Columbus called the native people he encountered on his voyages "Indians" because
A) he believed they came from the East Indies in the Pacific.
B) it is what the natives called themselves.
C) he mispronounced their actual name.
D) Norse seamen had previously used the term.
E) he wanted to hide his discovery from rival explorers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Christopher Columbus believed that he had reached the East Indies in the Pacific, and therefore referred to the native people he encountered as "Indians."

Christopher Columbus Called the Native People He Encountered on His