Research Paper On Lewis And Clark

Lewis and Clark Expedition

In 1804 Meriwether Lewis and William Clark launched an expedition that was extremely important for the American land discovery and the whole future of the country. The main goal of the expedition was to reach the Pacific Coast and pursue commercial and scientific purposes along its way. They were to see how the land could be economically exploited, as well as document new animals and plants species. At that moment there were no maps of this region, so they had to study the region’s geography as well.

The expedition was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, and he emphasized that it was also necessary to find water communication ways in the continent to establish commerce with the Asian region. He also wanted the expedition members to declare US sovereignty over the tribes that were located along the way.

Thirty-three people took part in the expedition. In May, 1804, they started their way along the Missouri river. Along their way, they established relations with many indigenous nations, although in some situations their communication nearly ended up in a fight. But owing to their interpreter Sacagawea, 15-year-old Shoshone Indian woman, conflicts were successfully resolved.

As a result of the expedition, the Americans gained the…