key term - Corps of Discovery

Definition

The Corps of Discovery was the official name for the expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from 1804 to 1806, tasked with exploring the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and finding a water route to the Pacific Ocean. This journey provided crucial information about the geography, biology, and native cultures of the western United States, significantly expanding American knowledge and influence in this vast region.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Corps of Discovery set out from St. Louis in May 1804 and traveled over 8,000 miles through what is now the United States and parts of Canada.
2. The expedition documented over 300 new species of plants and animals, greatly enhancing scientific knowledge at the time.
3. Lewis and Clark's journey established relationships with various Native American tribes, providing valuable insights into their cultures and trade practices.
4. The expedition faced numerous challenges, including difficult terrain, harsh weather, and a lack of supplies, but ultimately succeeded in reaching the Pacific Ocean.
5. The information gathered by the Corps of Discovery played a vital role in westward expansion and influenced future explorers and settlers moving into the American West.

Review Questions

• How did the Corps of Discovery contribute to American understanding of the western territories?
  • The Corps of Discovery significantly enhanced American knowledge about the western territories by mapping routes, documenting new plant and animal species, and recording information about Native American tribes. Their detailed journals provided insights into geography, climate, and resources that would be crucial for future settlers. This foundational work laid the groundwork for further exploration and expansion into these previously uncharted regions.
• What challenges did Lewis and Clark face during their expedition, and how did they overcome them?
  • Lewis and Clark encountered various challenges during their expedition, including harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain such as mountains and rivers, and limited supplies. They overcame these obstacles through careful planning, collaboration with Native Americans for guidance and resources, and innovative problem-solving techniques. Their resilience and adaptability allowed them to successfully navigate these hardships while making significant discoveries along the way.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Corps of Discovery's findings on America's westward expansion.
  • The findings of the Corps of Discovery had a profound long-term impact on America's westward expansion by providing vital information that encouraged settlement and exploration. Their maps and descriptions of land resources opened up new opportunities for agriculture, trade, and transportation routes. Additionally, their interactions with Native American tribes shaped U.S. policies towards indigenous peoples as settlers moved westward. The expedition essentially set the stage for future migration, economic development, and conflicts that would arise in the rapidly expanding nation.

Related terms

Louisiana Purchase:

A landmark event in 1803 when the United States acquired approximately 827,000 square miles of land from France, effectively doubling the size of the nation.

Meriwether Lewis:

An American explorer and soldier who served as the leader of the Corps of Discovery, selected by President Thomas Jefferson for this important expedition.

William Clark:

An American explorer and cartographer who co-led the Corps of Discovery with Meriwether Lewis, contributing significantly to mapping the western territories.