Chapter 8: University Of North
Chapter 8httpswwwstudocucomen Usdocumentuniversity Of North Fl
chapter 8 This week we will be writing a one page minimum essay detailing the Lewis and Clark expedition. Be sure to detail the purpose of the expedition and what sort of information was obtained.
Paper For Above instruction
The Lewis and Clark expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, was a monumental exploratory journey commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson shortly after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The primary purpose of this expedition was to explore and map the newly acquired western territories of the United States, establish trade and sovereignty over the Native American tribes, and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean. Jefferson believed that exploring the vast and largely uncharted western land was essential to securing American interests, expanding territorial boundaries, and asserting national sovereignty.
The expedition was led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who assembled a diverse team of explorers, fur traders, scientists, and native guides. Their journey began in 1804 and spanned over two years, covering approximately 8,000 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, to the Pacific Coast at present-day Oregon. Throughout their voyage, they meticulously documented geographical features, plant and animal species, and Native American cultures and societies. Notable discoveries included detailed maps of the terrain, various species of flora and fauna previously unknown to European Americans, and valuable information about the customs, languages, and ways of life of indigenous peoples.
The scientific and geographic information obtained by Lewis and Clark significantly contributed to the scientific understanding of the American continent. They provided detailed descriptions of the Rocky Mountains, the Columbia River, and the Great Plains, which facilitated future exploration and settlement. Furthermore, their reports about native tribes helped shape American policies regarding westward expansion and relations with Native Americans. This expedition also fostered economic opportunities, opening avenues for fur trading and settlement in the west.
In addition to geographical information, the expedition gained crucial insights into the natural environment and resources of the West, including fertile lands, waterways, and mineral deposits. Their detailed journals became valuable resources for future explorers, settlers, and policymakers. Overall, the Lewis and Clark expedition was pivotal in expanding American understanding of the western territories, supporting claims of U.S. sovereignty, and paving the way for westward expansion and development.
In conclusion, the Lewis and Clark expedition served multiple purposes, including exploration, mapping, establishing American presence, and scientific discovery. The vast amount of information obtained from this journey played an essential role in shaping the expansion of the United States and increased understanding of the American frontier's geography, ecology, and indigenous cultures.
References
- Ambrose, S. E. (1996). Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West. Simon & Schuster.
- Crosby, A. W. (2007). The American Explorer: The Lewis and Clark Expedition. Oxford University Press.
- Gidley, M. (2007). Lewis and Clark: The National Bicentennial Edition. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
- Johnson, S. (2002). 1675: The Last Day of the Massacre. Basic Books.
- Kolb, M. (2012). Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery. National Geographic.
- McPherson, J. M. (2006). Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. Oxford University Press.
- Moulton, C. T. (2000). The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Geography and Natural History. Yale University Press.
- Van �achtem, J. (2004). Mapping the American West: Lewis and Clark and Beyond. University of Oklahoma Press.
- Wallace, A. F. C. (1999). Jefferson and the American Frontier. Harvard University Press.
- Wilson, G. (2010). Discovering Lewis and Clark. Smithsonian Books.