History Specials Season 1 Episode 4 Who Really Discovered America?

Who Really Discovered America? is an episode from the first season of the History Specials. In this episode, the focus is on uncovering the truth behind who really discovered America.

Many people believe that Christopher Columbus was the first European to set foot on American soil, but the truth is far more complex and nuanced than that. In fact, evidence suggests that Vikings from Scandinavia may have been the first Europeans to discover America over 500 years before Columbus arrived.

The episode begins by exploring the history of the Viking culture and their renowned seafaring abilities. We learn about their longships, which were capable of carrying up to 60 men and could withstand the harsh conditions of the open ocean. The Vikings were fearless explorers, and they ventured far beyond their homelands in search of new lands to conquer and settle.

The episode then delves into the story of Leif Erikson, the legendary Viking explorer who is said to have discovered America around the year 1000. According to Norse sagas, Leif Erikson and his crew sailed from Greenland to what is now Newfoundland, where they established a settlement called Vinland. The episode looks at archaeological evidence that supports the existence of this settlement, including evidence of Viking structures and artifacts that have been discovered in the area.

But despite the evidence, there are those who continue to dispute the idea that Vikings discovered America. The episode examines some of the arguments made by archaeologists and historians who believe that the evidence is not strong enough to conclusively prove that Vikings were the first Europeans to set foot on American soil.

The episode also explores the role of the Native Americans in this story. For centuries before Europeans arrived, various Native American groups had established settlements and civilizations throughout North and South America. But European colonization had a profound impact on the Native American people, leading to widespread disease, violence, and displacement. The episode looks at the ways in which the arrival of Vikings and later Europeans had a lasting effect on the cultures and traditions of Native American peoples.

Finally, the episode concludes by posing the ultimate question: does it really matter who discovered America? The answer, of course, is complex. While discovery is subjective and based on perspective, the history and impact of European colonization in America is undeniable. It has shaped the world we live in today and is a reminder of the complex, multifaceted nature of human history.

Overall, Who Really Discovered America? is a fascinating exploration of the history of early European exploration in America and the impact it had on Native American peoples. The episode provides a nuanced look at the evidence and arguments surrounding the question of who really discovered America, and leaves viewers with much to consider about the complex nature of historical discovery and its impact on human societies.