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Why Native Americans are Called Indians

The term Indian is generally used for people originating from the country of India in Asia. However the Native American Indians have no link with Asia whatsoever. It was Christopher Columbus who headed out on a voyage to South Asia but landed up on America instead and coined the name Indians for the local people. This apparent mistake was soon realized but the name coined by Christopher Columbus remained.

With the passage of time there has been an attempt to develop a sounder name for the original inhabitants of America as they have no link whatsoever with India. This is the reason why you find them being referred to as Native Americans in recent times. However there is a problem with this name too because generally anyone born in America is a Native American. Hence the name Native American Indians remain.

Today the Native American Indians have developed quite a unique relationship with the United States of America. They have retained their tribal and nation structures in part and are also part of the official government of the United States. Their culture still flourishes and has in fact received mass exposure with the advancement in technology. They have also come to be featured in silver screen flicks and television programs.

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Q: Why are Native American Indians called Indians while there are Indians in Asia?
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Continue Learning about U.S. History

Should you say Native American or American Indian?

There is no "one set" of acceptable definitions and every person will have arguments against both of those sayings as well as "Indigenous American" or "Indigenous People" as such any of these terms when used respectfully does not cause a problem. Be aware though that certain other colloquial terms can get you in trouble (Redman, Skin, Buck, Squaw, Chief, and combo's of those, etc.)


How did native americans help Pennsylvania?

The Americans traded with the Indians in Pennsylvania. The American gave them copper kettles, woven clothes, sharp edged iron tools and new technologies. While they Indians gave the Americans land and animal pelts.


Why did American Indians support the french and not the british?

Simple. The French integrated with the Native Americans in a positive way, treating them with respect. The two traded and helped each other while the British treated the Native Americans very badly. Part of the problem was that many native American tribes gave control over the tribe to the head female. The British who were sexist beleived that woman should not have such control. They considered the Indians savage and to prove it that often took land, murdering them. The last part is true but sarcastic of course. The bottom line is that the French respected the Indians and they in return treated them with respect, each working with and helping the other.


How do you think the north west ordinance affected native Americans?

many native american tribes fought for their land and usually lost it in time, while other native american tribes accepted the northwest ordinance and died a sad death.


How did native Americans choose their name?

The way in which Native Americans were named depended on which tribe they belonged to. Some names would have been chosen by the elders of the tribe whilst others would have been the names of ancestors. The idea that parents chose a name for their child by using the first thing they saw from the wigwam when the child was born is seen as a racist stereotype.

Related questions

Are Native Americans the same as American Indians?

Yes, though "Native Americans" is much more correct than "American Indians". The early explorers accidentally mistook the natives for Indians because they did not know a world outside of Asia, Europe and Africa. They sailed west thinking they would hit India, but instead ran into America. Because they thought they landed in India, the Indian term stuck, even though the Native Americans are not Indians. (Indians are Caucasians while Native Americans are more related to East Asians).


Should you say Native American or American Indian?

There is no "one set" of acceptable definitions and every person will have arguments against both of those sayings as well as "Indigenous American" or "Indigenous People" as such any of these terms when used respectfully does not cause a problem. Be aware though that certain other colloquial terms can get you in trouble (Redman, Skin, Buck, Squaw, Chief, and combo's of those, etc.)


Who attempted to exterminate the American Indians?

While there were many groups of the time who were unfriendly to American Indians, Caucasians were attempting to exterminate American Indians. Many brutal acts were preformed on the Indians.


How did native americans help Pennsylvania?

The Americans traded with the Indians in Pennsylvania. The American gave them copper kettles, woven clothes, sharp edged iron tools and new technologies. While they Indians gave the Americans land and animal pelts.


Are native American Indians extinct?

Absolutely not. While some tribes may no longer exist, the remaining members moved to neighbouring ones. There are many aboriginal people still alive and well.


Where do red Indians live?

Native Americans, also known as Indigenous peoples or American Indians, live throughout the United States. They have different tribes and communities with various cultures and traditions. Many live on reservations, while others live in urban areas.


Are native American and north American the same?

No, while many who are Native Americans are, in fact, North Americans, there are very many who are North Americans, but not at all of Native American descent.


What did Nathaniel bacon do to the Indians while they encounterd Jamestown?

Remove all Native Americans from the Virginia frontier


What was the American Indians view on land?

The Native American view was opposite of the Europeans. Land was to be taken care of, but not owned. The Native American tribes farmed the forests and only took what they needed to live. While the Europeans cut down forest lands, brought in foreign animals, introduced insects and plants not native to the environment. The European honey bee was the most destructive of all and destroyed native crops and plants.


What were Delawares first known inhabitants?

The Delaware Valley and River region is understood to have been settled by two native American tribal groups. The Delaware Indians settled to the north, while the Leni Lenape were in the south.


Do Indians speak English US or English UK?

There is very little diference in the spoken language. Spelling and grammar differ slightly. People from the Indian sub-continent are likely to use UK English while Native American Indians are more likely to use US English


Is there anything good about Native American prayers?

While many prayers try to connect with demigods, Native American prayers do, overall, connect with the Great Spirit.