What was the purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

Question

What was the purpose of the  Lewis and Clark expedition?

Dylan Armstrong · Accepted Answer

The Lewis and Clark expedition was meant to explore the territories that had been acquired by the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

All right. President Jefferson had purchased the territories of the Louisiana Purchase from the French emperor Napoleon in 1803. This deal nearly doubled the size of the United States, as you can see on the map below.

President Jefferson was desirous of exploring this land and discovering the vast natural and cultural resources that they held. He also wanted to cement and establish relationships with various Indian tribes that occupied the newly acquired areas.

Overall, Jefferson's aim was to learn more about the land that he'd bought for the United States, and the expedition was a fact-finding mission of sorts.

Eli Anderson · Answer

undefined The purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, was to explore and map the newly acquired western territory of the United States, acquired through the Louisiana Purchase. Additionally, the expedition aimed to establish diplomatic relations with Native American tribes, assert American sovereignty over the region, and gather scientific and geographic information about the land, flora, fauna, and resources of the western territory.