Lewis and Clark Expedition

Thomas Jefferson planned an expedition to explore the Missouri River before the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. After the purchase, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the Corps of Discovery to explore the new territory. Their objectives included finding the Northwest Passage, establishing relations with Native Americans, and expanding the fur trade. Although they didn't find the passage, they made significant scientific discoveries, mapped the West, and improved diplomatic relations. The expedition's success paved the way for future settlements and is considered a major adventure in American history.

Who was appointed to lead the expedition to explore the Missouri River?

• Thomas Jefferson

• William Clark

• Meriwether Lewis

• Sacagawea

What was one of the main objectives of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

• To discover gold

• To build a railroad

• To find the Northwest Passage

• To establish a new colony

How did Lewis and Clark improve relations with Native American tribes?

• By teaching them English

• By building forts

• By offering military protection

• By giving gifts and inviting representatives to Washington

What was a significant scientific achievement of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

• Inventing new navigation tools

• Discovering the source of the Mississippi River

• Identifying 178 new plants and 122 animals

• Mapping the entire United States

What was the ultimate impact of the Lewis and Clark expedition on American history?

• It led to the discovery of gold in California

• It resulted in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad

• It paved the way for westward expansion and settlement

• It caused a war with Native American tribes