Lewis and Clark

Definition

Lewis and Clark were American explorers who led the first expedition to traverse the western portion of the United States, from 1804 to 1806. Their journey aimed to map a route to the Pacific Ocean and establish American presence in the newly acquired territories following the Louisiana Purchase, greatly influencing the founding of major settlements in the region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lewis and Clark expedition set out from St. Louis, Missouri, on May 14, 1804, and traveled over 8,000 miles to reach the Pacific Ocean.
2. The expedition provided valuable information about the geography, biology, and cultures of the western territories, leading to increased interest in settlement.
3. Lewis and Clark established key relationships with various Native American tribes, which helped to facilitate trade and communication in future westward expansion.
4. The journey faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and limited supplies, but ultimately succeeded in reaching the Pacific coast.
5. Their return in 1806 marked a significant moment in American history, as it laid the groundwork for future exploration and settlement in what would become the western United States.

Review Questions

• How did Lewis and Clark's expedition contribute to the understanding of the geography and peoples of the western United States?
  • Lewis and Clark's expedition significantly enhanced knowledge about the geography of the western United States by mapping rivers, mountains, and routes that could facilitate future travel and trade. Their detailed journals documented observations about flora, fauna, and interactions with Native American tribes. This comprehensive understanding encouraged further exploration and settlement by Americans seeking new opportunities in these territories.
• Evaluate the impact of Lewis and Clark's findings on later American policies regarding westward expansion and settlement.
  • The findings from Lewis and Clark's expedition had a profound impact on American policies regarding westward expansion. Their documentation provided crucial insights that fueled public interest and government support for moving westward. The expedition's success reinforced ideas of Manifest Destiny, motivating policies that encouraged settlers to occupy new lands while often disregarding Native American rights and territories.
• Analyze how Lewis and Clark’s journey reflects broader themes of exploration and territorial expansion in early 19th-century America.
  • Lewis and Clark’s journey embodies broader themes of exploration and territorial expansion in early 19th-century America by illustrating the national ambition to explore unknown lands following the Louisiana Purchase. The expedition highlighted a growing belief in American exceptionalism as they sought to map new territories for potential settlement. Furthermore, their interactions with Native American tribes reveal both cooperation and conflict as settlers pushed further into indigenous lands, showcasing the complexities of expanding a nation during this pivotal period.

Related terms

Louisiana Purchase:

The 1803 acquisition of territory by the United States from France, which doubled the size of the nation and provided a vast area for exploration and settlement.

Sacagawea:

A Shoshone woman who served as an interpreter and guide for Lewis and Clark, playing a crucial role in their expedition by helping navigate and communicate with Native American tribes.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century doctrine that it was the destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America, often justified by the idea of spreading democracy and civilization.