Question

Explain the goals and discuss the achievements of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Answer 1

• The Corps of Discovery, otherwise known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, was the greatest peacetime undertaking in the military history of the United States. The Corps of Discovery, led by Lewis and Clark, included 33 permanent members.
• The goals of this expedition, as outlined by President Jefferson, were to study the Native American tribes living in the area as well as the plants, animals, geology and terrain of the region. The expedition was also to be a diplomatic one and aid in transferring power over the lands and the people living on them from the French and Spanish to the United States. In addition, President Jefferson wanted the expedition to find a direct waterway to the West Coast and the Pacific Ocean so westward expansion and commerce would be easier to achieve in the coming years.
• Goals-
• 1.to find a north west passage- a direct route to the pacific ocean
  
• 2.to collect and record new plants and animals species
• 3.to make new and accurate maps
• 4.to make peace with the natives
  
• Lewis and Clark's journey took 2 years, 4 months, and 10 days; they covered over 8,000 miles. Although Lewis and Clark did not find a direct waterway from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean, their expedition brought a wealth of knowledge about the newly purchased lands in the west. For example, the expedition provided extensive facts on the Northwest's natural resources. Their expedition was the first to describe the grizzly bear; they also sent a prairie dog back to President Jefferson (these animals were not previously known to Europeans).
• Lewis and Clark were able to document over 100 animal species and over 170 plants. They also brought back information on the size, minerals and the geology of the area.
• In addition, the expedition established relations with the Native Americans in the region, one of President Jefferson's main goals. Aside from the confrontation with the Teton Sioux, these relations were largely peaceful and the Corps received extensive help from the various tribes they met regarding things like food and navigation.
• For geographical knowledge, the Lewis and Clark expedition provided widespread knowledge about the topography of the Pacific Northwest and produced more than 140 maps of the region. Upon their return as heroes, Jefferson named Clark the Indian agent for the West, and he appointed Lewis as Governor of the new Louisiana Territory.