Lewis and Clark Expedition

Definition

The Lewis and Clark Expedition was a journey undertaken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from 1804 to 1806, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean. This expedition provided valuable information about the geography, flora, fauna, and indigenous peoples of the region, significantly enhancing American knowledge of the western territories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The expedition began in St. Louis, Missouri, and lasted over two years, covering approximately 8,000 miles through various terrains including mountains, plains, and rivers.
2. The team documented over 300 new species of plants and animals during their journey, which contributed greatly to scientific understanding at the time.
3. Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, played a crucial role as an interpreter and guide for the expedition, helping to facilitate communication with Native American tribes.
4. The expedition established American claims to the Pacific Northwest and paved the way for westward expansion in the years that followed.
5. Lewis and Clark returned with detailed maps and journals that provided essential information for future settlers and explorers venturing into the western territories.

Review Questions

• How did the Lewis and Clark Expedition influence American expansion into the western territories?
  • The Lewis and Clark Expedition significantly influenced American expansion by providing crucial information about the geography and resources of the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Their detailed maps and journals highlighted potential routes for migration and trade, which encouraged settlers to move westward. The expedition also established relationships with various Native American tribes, which were important for future interactions as settlers began to populate these areas.
• Discuss the role of Thomas Jefferson in initiating the Lewis and Clark Expedition and its implications for U.S. policy towards westward expansion.
  • Thomas Jefferson was instrumental in initiating the Lewis and Clark Expedition as part of his vision for expanding U.S. territory and influence. He believed that exploring the Louisiana Purchase would open new avenues for trade and settlement while asserting American presence in the West. Jefferson's support of the expedition reflected a broader policy of manifest destiny that would shape U.S. expansionist goals in subsequent decades.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Lewis and Clark Expedition on U.S. relations with Native American tribes encountered during their journey.
  • The Lewis and Clark Expedition had complex long-term impacts on U.S. relations with Native American tribes. While it fostered initial communication and cooperation with some tribes, such as through Sacagawea's guidance, it also laid groundwork for future conflicts as westward expansion continued. The expedition's documentation often overlooked indigenous sovereignty and rights, leading to encroachments on tribal lands as settlers moved into these regions based on the information gathered by Lewis and Clark.

Related terms

Louisiana Purchase: A land acquisition made by the United States in 1803, in which the U.S. bought approximately 827,000 square miles of land from France, effectively doubling the size of the nation.

Thomas Jefferson: The third President of the United States, who was a key figure in promoting the expedition to explore the west and sought to expand American territory and knowledge.

Corps of Discovery: The name given to the group of explorers led by Lewis and Clark during their expedition, which included soldiers, interpreters, and other specialists who assisted in various tasks.