Lewis and Clark Expedition Overview

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the United States. He commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the new land, aiming to find a Northwest Passage, document the region's geography and biodiversity, and establish relations with Native American tribes. The expedition, known as the Corps of Discovery, faced challenges such as harsh winters and rugged terrain but succeeded in mapping the area and discovering numerous plant and animal species. They also built positive relationships with Native tribes, including the Mandan and Shoshoni, with the help of Sacagawea. Although they did not find the Northwest Passage, their journey significantly contributed to the understanding and expansion of the United States.

What was the primary reason Napoleon Bonaparte sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States?

• He was no longer interested in the territory.

• He needed funds for his military campaigns.

• He wanted to strengthen ties with the United States.

• He wanted to focus on European affairs.

Who did Thomas Jefferson appoint to lead the exploration of the newly acquired territory?

• Napoleon Bonaparte

• Sacagawea

• William Clark

• Meriwether Lewis

What was one of the main goals of the Corps of Discovery?

• To establish trade routes with Europe

• To find an all-water route to the Pacific Ocean

• To purchase more land from Native Americans

• To build military forts along the Mississippi

How did Sacagawea contribute to the Lewis and Clark expedition?

• She served as an interpreter and guide.

• She provided horses for the journey.

• She funded the expedition.

• She mapped the entire route.

What was the significance of Sacagawea's encounter with the Shoshone tribe?

• She discovered new plant species.

• She reunited with her brother, aiding negotiations.

• She found a new route to the Pacific.

• She traded goods for food supplies.

What was one of the major challenges faced by the expedition as they traveled westward?

• Lack of food supplies

• Hostile encounters with Native Americans

• Rugged terrain and fewer navigable rivers

• Severe weather conditions

What was one of the achievements of the Corps of Discovery by the end of their journey?

• They discovered the Northwest Passage.

• They established a permanent settlement on the Pacific coast.

• They found gold in the Oregon region.

• They mapped approximately 140 maps of the territory.

How long did the Lewis and Clark expedition last?

• 4 years and 1 month

• 1 year and 6 months

• 2 years and 4 months

• 3 years and 2 months

What unique animal did the expedition send back to Thomas Jefferson?

• A bison

• A bald eagle

• A prairie dog

• A grizzly bear

Which of the following was NOT a goal of the Corps of Discovery?

• To establish trade with European nations

• To extend fellowship to Native American tribes

• To document new plant and animal species

• To map the newly acquired territory