Lewis and Clark

Definition

Lewis and Clark were American explorers commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to map and explore the newly acquired western territories of the United States following the Louisiana Purchase. Their expedition, known as the Corps of Discovery, aimed to establish trade routes, document new species, and find a water route to the Pacific Ocean, while also interacting with Native American tribes along the way.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lewis and Clark Expedition lasted from May 1804 to September 1806, covering around 8,000 miles across uncharted territory.
2. They were the first American expedition to reach the Pacific coast via land, significantly contributing to the understanding of the geography and resources of the western territories.
3. Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, played a crucial role in the expedition as a guide and interpreter, helping bridge communication with various Native American tribes.
4. The journey provided valuable information about the flora, fauna, and geography of the western regions, leading to increased interest in westward expansion.
5. Their detailed journals documented encounters with Native tribes and provided insights into their cultures and lifestyles, influencing future U.S. policies toward indigenous peoples.

Review Questions

• How did Lewis and Clark's expedition contribute to U.S. territorial expansion and understanding of the western regions?
  • Lewis and Clark's expedition was instrumental in expanding U.S. territorial knowledge by mapping previously unexplored regions and providing detailed accounts of their findings. They identified potential trade routes and natural resources, which fueled interest in westward expansion among settlers and government officials. The information gathered during their journey laid the groundwork for future exploration and settlement of the West.
• Evaluate the impact of Sacagawea's involvement in the Lewis and Clark Expedition on relationships with Native American tribes.
  • Sacagawea's involvement had a significant positive impact on relationships with Native American tribes during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. As a Shoshone woman who served as a guide and interpreter, she facilitated communication between the explorers and various tribes they encountered. Her presence helped to establish trust, which was crucial for successful interactions, negotiations for supplies, and assistance throughout their journey.
• Analyze how Lewis and Clark's findings shaped future U.S. policies toward Native Americans in the context of westward expansion.
  • The findings of Lewis and Clark significantly shaped U.S. policies toward Native Americans as the nation pursued westward expansion. Their detailed observations about tribal cultures, territories, and resources contributed to a growing belief in Manifest Destiny, which justified U.S. territorial expansion across North America. This belief often led to policies that disregarded Native sovereignty, resulting in treaties that were frequently broken and increased displacement of indigenous peoples as settlers moved into newly explored lands.

Related terms

Corps of Discovery: The official name of the expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from 1804 to 1806 to explore the Louisiana Territory.

Louisiana Purchase:

The 1803 acquisition of territory from France that doubled the size of the United States and opened up vast areas for exploration.

Native American Tribes: The various indigenous groups that inhabited North America, many of whom interacted with Lewis and Clark during their expedition.