***The reason Columbus is important is he saved European Civilization from falling to Islam***
It was inevitable that the New World would be discovered at this time. If Colombus had not discovered it then the Portugese would have a few years later when they found Brazil while heading for India around Africa.
I am not sure if you are disagreeing with my post. Yes, its true that it was inevitable that the New World would be found by someone on these great voyages. But why were the great voyages being attempted, especially at that time? These voyages were not only dangerous but expensive.
Why were the Portugese trying to find India by going around Africa? Everyone in Europe since Alexander the Great knew where India was. Just head down the silk road, then take the southern route.
On the other hand, no European knew how big Africa really was, how far south it went, or in Columbus case, how dangerous reaching India was by traversing the Atlantic.