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Identify the key achievements and failures of Thomas Jefferson's presidency. Discuss the scientific objectives behind Lewis and Clark's expedition and how their maps and journal entries serve as evidence of these objectives. Describe the relationship between Lewis and Clark and Native Americans during their journey and explain how the maps and exploration techniques contributed to their success.

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Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, presided over a period of significant expansion and transformation in American history. His presidency is marked by numerous achievements that helped shape the early nation, alongside some notable failures that reflected the complexities of governing a burgeoning republic. Additionally, Jefferson's vision for exploration and scientific discovery was exemplified in the Lewis and Clark expedition, which served multiple purposes ranging from territorial expansion to scientific inquiry.

Among Jefferson's notable achievements was his pivotal role in crafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a document that articulated the fundamental ideals of liberty and equality and laid the philosophical foundation for the United States. This act of intellectual and political activism underscored his commitment to shaping a nation grounded in democratic principles. Furthermore, Jefferson's most consequential policy was the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States and opened vast territories for settlement and economic development. This acquisition not only increased territorial holdings but also reinforced Jefferson’s belief in the importance of an agrarian-based economy centered around westward expansion.

However, Jefferson’s presidency was not without its shortcomings. One of his major failures was the implementation of the Embargo Act of 1807, which aimed to neutralize the conflicts arising from European wars but instead severely damaged the American economy. The act restricted all foreign trade, leading to economic decline and widespread discontent among merchants and farmers alike. The policy ultimately proved ineffective and was repealed in 1809, illustrating the complex challenges Jefferson faced in balancing diplomatic concerns with economic stability.

Jefferson's scientific and exploratory vision found real expression in the Lewis and Clark expedition, which aimed to map unknown territories, establish American sovereignty, and gather scientific data about the new lands. The expedition was equipped with scientific instruments such as sextants, chronometers, and tools for map-making, demonstrating Jefferson's commitment to scientific inquiry. The maps created by Lewis and Clark, often referred to as compass traverse maps, depicted the routes taken and provided detailed geographic information that facilitated subsequent exploration and settlement.

The journey’s scientific objectives included acquiring knowledge about the soil, flora, fauna, and native cultures. Lewis was tasked with surveying land features, collecting biological specimens, and recording observations crucial for scientific and territorial claims. The expedition's maps served as vital evidence of their progress and discoveries, allowing subsequent explorers to navigate the region more efficiently. Their journal entries documented not only geographical information but also insights into Native American cultures, helping to foster diplomatic relations and understanding.

The relationship between Lewis, Clark, and Native Americans was notably cooperative, built on negotiations, gift exchanges, and mutual respect. The expedition recognized the importance of maintaining peaceful relations for the success of their mission, with Native tribes often providing vital assistance through guidance and resources. Their interactions exemplified a diplomatic approach that prioritized harmony over conflict, facilitating the peaceful exploration of an uncharted continent.

In conclusion, Jefferson's presidency was characterized by groundbreaking achievements such as the Louisiana Purchase and the promotion of scientific exploration, alongside challenges like economic downturns caused by policies like the Embargo Act. The Lewis and Clark expedition epitomized Jefferson’s vision of expanding and understanding the United States, with the exploration tools, maps, and relationships established during the journey providing a foundation for future territorial development and scientific progress. Their efforts not only expanded national territory but also contributed significantly to America's scientific and geographical knowledge, underscoring Jefferson's dual legacy of political expansion and scientific curiosity.

References

• Carriker, R. C. (1984). Atlas of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Bridgewater, NJ: Silver Burdett Press.
• Buckley, J. H., & Nokes, J. D. (2016). Explorers of the American West: Mapping the World through Primary Documents. ABC-CLIO.
• Ambrose, S. E. (1996). Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West. Simon & Schuster.
• Fritz, J. (2004). Lois and Clark: The Political Ecology of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Environmental History.
• Holbrook, S. (2004). The Journey of Lewis and Clark. National Geographic Kids.
• Meacham, S. (2012). Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power. Random House.
• Jensen, G. (2002). The Explorers: Lewis and Clark. Smithsonian Institution.
• Graff, D. A. (2010). An Empire of Ideas: Writing and Politics in Revolutionary America. UNC Press Books.
• Wilcove, D. S., & McClellan, C. (2021). Discovering the Natural World: Scientific Exploration and Discovery. Harvard University Press.
• Finkelman, P. (2019). Jefferson and the American Dream. Johns Hopkins University Press.