Journals of Lewis and Clark

Definition

The journals of Lewis and Clark are detailed accounts written by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during their expedition from 1804 to 1806, exploring the newly acquired western territories of the United States. These journals provide crucial insights into the geography, flora, fauna, and indigenous cultures encountered during their journey, serving as a foundational document in American exploration history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The journals were kept daily by both Lewis and Clark, documenting not only scientific observations but also personal reflections and challenges faced during their expedition.
2. These writings were crucial for understanding the geography of the West, including detailed maps and descriptions that would aid future explorers and settlers.
3. Lewis's journal entries often focused on scientific observations, while Clark's entries included more on interactions with Native American tribes.
4. The journals were eventually published in 1814, bringing significant attention to the findings and experiences of the expedition.
5. They played a major role in informing the American public about the western frontier, contributing to interest in westward expansion.

Review Questions

• How did the journals of Lewis and Clark contribute to our understanding of the geography and cultures of the western territories?
  • The journals provide a comprehensive record of the terrain, natural resources, and wildlife encountered during the expedition. They contain detailed maps and descriptions that helped future explorers navigate these regions. Furthermore, they document interactions with various Native American tribes, offering insights into their cultures, languages, and ways of life, which enriched American understanding of the diverse populations in the West.
• Discuss how Sacagawea's role influenced the documentation found in the journals of Lewis and Clark.
  • Sacagawea's involvement as a guide and interpreter was pivotal to the success of the expedition. Her knowledge of the land and her ability to communicate with various indigenous groups enabled Lewis and Clark to gather critical information about local resources and cultures. Her presence also contributed to fostering goodwill with Native American tribes, which is reflected in the more nuanced perspectives documented in their journals.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the journals of Lewis and Clark on American expansionism and its implications for Native American communities.
  • The journals had a profound impact on American expansionism as they provided vital information that fueled public interest in westward migration. This exploration laid the groundwork for future settlement and development in these territories, promoting ideas of Manifest Destiny. However, this expansion came at a significant cost to Native American communities, leading to displacement, cultural disruption, and conflict as settlers moved into their lands based on insights gained from these early writings.

Related terms

Corps of Discovery:

The official name of the expedition led by Lewis and Clark, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the western territories of the United States.

Sacagawea:

A Shoshone woman who served as an interpreter and guide for Lewis and Clark, playing a key role in the success of the expedition.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century doctrine that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America, which was partly fueled by the information gathered during the Lewis and Clark expedition.