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Personal preference, really. Depending upon which tribe you are from or your political views, you might prefer Indians, Native Americans or American Indians. It really doesnt make a whole lot of difference.

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16y ago
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12y ago

Because when Christopher Columbus attempted to sail to Asia he did not realize their was an entire continent the Americas in his way. So when he arrived he thought he was in India, hence the name Indians.

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Q: Why are Native Americans variously called American Indians?
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Related questions

Who helped the pilgrams in America?

THE INDIANS (NATIVE AMERICANS)


What are American Indians-?

American Indians or Native Americans were the first people to live in North America.


By what name are most the northern native Americans known?

Collectively as Indians, American Indians, Native Americans or by their tribe's name.


What are viking skraelings?

American Indians (Native Americans)


Why Native American do not want to be called Indians?

because Indians are people from India and it is completely different from native american


Where does American Indians live?

native Americans live everywhere.


Are Taino Indians Native American?

Yes, all native peoples of the Americas are native Americans.


Why doesn't native Americans do not want to be called Indians?

because Indians are people from India and it is completely different from native american


Who helped the Pilgrims get established in the US?

The American-Indians (Native Americans)


Are American Indians and native Americans the same thing?

No, Native Americans are from tribes like the Cherokees and other tribes. They originated in America. Indians are from the country India, and are a whole other group of people from the Native Americans. The reason why Native Americans are sometimes referred to as Indians is because, when Christopher Columbus was sailing to India, he accidentally ended up in North America where he called all the Native Americans, Indians.


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).


Do you say American Indians or native American?

well, you can say either one. i prefer saying native americans,but i also say american indians. The reason why most americans today call them just plain indians is because christipher columbus thought he had sailed to india.