Explore how Columbus's geographical confusion—believing he'd reached Asia until his death—became history's most consequential wrong turn, forever altering the course of two continents and launching the age of colonization.

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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

Lena: Hey there, history enthusiasts! I'm Lena, and I'm joined by the brilliant Nia today. We're about to embark on a fascinating journey through American history, starting with—well, a mistake, actually.
Nia: That's right, Lena! One of history's most consequential wrong turns. You know, when we talk about Columbus "discovering" America in 1492, we're really talking about a massive navigation error. He went to his grave believing he'd reached Asia.
Lena: Wait, seriously? He never realized he'd found an entirely different continent?
Nia: Exactly! Despite making four voyages across the Atlantic, Columbus remained convinced he'd reached the outskirts of Asia. It's fascinating how one person's geographical confusion changed the course of world history.
Lena: That's mind-blowing when you think about it. I mean, his mistake literally reshaped the world as we know it. So let's dive into this accidental encounter and explore how Columbus's wrong turn set the stage for European colonization of the Americas.