Lewis and Clark

Definition

Lewis and Clark were American explorers commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to chart the newly acquired western territories after the Louisiana Purchase, conducting an expedition from 1804 to 1806. Their journey provided vital information about the geography, biology, and the Native American tribes of the region, establishing connections that would shape future interactions between Native Americans and European settlers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lewis and Clark expedition covered approximately 8,000 miles over the course of two years, mapping a route to the Pacific Ocean.
2. Their journey was motivated by scientific curiosity and the desire to establish trade relations with Native American tribes.
3. Lewis and Clark documented over 300 new species of plants and animals, significantly contributing to American scientific knowledge.
4. The expedition helped to establish American sovereignty over the western territories, paving the way for future settlement and conflict with Native Americans.
5. Interactions between Lewis and Clark and various Native American tribes varied widely, with some groups welcoming them while others were suspicious or hostile.

Review Questions

• How did Lewis and Clark's expedition impact their understanding of Native American societies?
  • Lewis and Clark's expedition significantly enhanced European-American understanding of Native American societies by documenting their cultures, languages, and trade practices. As they traveled through various territories, they encountered numerous tribes, establishing diplomatic relations and often exchanging goods. This interaction not only provided insights into the diverse lifestyles of Native Americans but also set the stage for future relationships—both cooperative and contentious—between these tribes and American settlers.
• Evaluate the significance of Sacagawea's role during the Lewis and Clark expedition.
  • Sacagawea was instrumental to the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition due to her knowledge of the land and her ability to communicate with various Native tribes. As a Shoshone woman, she facilitated crucial negotiations for supplies and assistance along the way, which were vital for survival. Her presence also signified peaceful intentions to Native groups encountered by the expedition, helping to ease tensions that could have led to conflicts.
• Assess how Lewis and Clark's findings during their expedition influenced U.S. policy towards westward expansion and interactions with Native American nations in subsequent years.
  • The findings of Lewis and Clark profoundly influenced U.S. policy regarding westward expansion, as their detailed reports showcased the potential for settlement, agriculture, and trade in newly acquired territories. Their accounts fueled public interest in Manifest Destiny, leading to increased migration into these regions. However, this expansion came at a significant cost to Native American nations, whose lands were encroached upon despite previous treaties and alliances formed during the expedition. The shift from exploration to colonization marked a turning point in U.S.-Native American relations that would lead to conflicts over land rights and sovereignty in subsequent decades.

Related terms

Louisiana Purchase:

The 1803 land acquisition by the United States from France, which doubled the size of the nation and provided new territories for exploration.

Sacagawea: A Shoshone woman who acted as a guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark, playing a crucial role in their successful expedition.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century doctrine that justified American expansion across the continent, often disregarding the rights and territories of Native American nations.