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The Louisiana Purchase: The Lewis And Clark Expedition

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In January of 1803 President Thomas Jefferson requested money from Congress to explore the Missouri River. (Buckley, “Lewis and Clark Expedition”) President Jefferson was interested in the land that made up Louisiana. He wanted to know more about this land that few Americans had seen, as well as, just how far that land extended. This curiosity sparked this request for money in order to send Lt Meriwether Lewis on an exploratory expedition to gather scientific information about the land, and discover a water route across the country leading to the Pacific. (Boyer, pg. 229) The Louisiana Purchase came later that year in May of 1803, which added even more significance to the exploration of this land. Lt Lewis selected William Clark to be his co-commander. …show more content…
He saw this passage as a way to boost trade with China, and take trade from Canada to put it under American control. (Boyer, pg 229) Lewis and Clark’s Expedition took place from May 14, 1804, to September 23, 1806. Along the way Lewis and Clark made contact with many Indian tribes, such as, Sioux, Mandans, Hidatsas and Arikaras. Through these encounters they were able to build relationships with the Indians by hosting military parades, handing out peace medals, flags, and gifts, delivering speeches, promising trade, and requested intertribal peace. They also invited Indian representatives to travel to Washington, D.C. The tribes in return welcomed trading opportunities and provided the expedition with food, knowledge, guides, shelter, sex, and entertainment. (Buckley, “Lewis and Clark Expedition”) Valuable scientific information was gathered throughout the exploration of this land. Lewis identified 178 plants new to science which included bitterroot, prairie sagebrush, Douglas fir, and ponderosapine. He also identified 122 animals, such as grizzly bear, prairie dog, and pronghorn …show more content…
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark hired Toussaint Charbonneau, a French-Canadian fur trader, to be a guide and an interpreter. It turns out his wife, Sacajawea, was a much bigger asset throughout their expedition. Sacajawea had recently given birth to a son, which actually worked to the advantage of the expedition. The presence of the baby and his safety reassured the tribes encountered that the expedition was being conducted with a peaceful intent. (Boyer, pg 229) During an almost devastating accident when Charbonneau almost overturned the boat, she was able to retrieve important papers, instruments, books, medicine, and other valuable items that would have been lost. Lewis and Clark then named a tributary of Montana’s Mussellshell River , “Bird Woman’s River” after her. Sacajawea assisted the expedition by searching for edible plants, making moccasins and crafting clothing. Later in the expedition, Lewis and Clark encountered a band of Shoshones that was led by Sacagawea’s brother, Cameahwait. This reunion resulted in a positive effect on Lewis and Clark’s negotiations for horses and a guide from the Shoshones which made crossing the Rocky Mountains possible. Once they reached the Pacific, there was a debate about what to do for the winter. Sacajawea advised the expedition to spend the winter by the Pacific before heading back across country. After a diplomatic vote, the expedition decided to stay put for the winter. During the return voyage, she identified important

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