What was the main mission Jefferson asked Lewis and Clark to complete?

President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the expedition shortly after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 to explore and to map the newly acquired territory, to find a practical route across the western half of the continent, and to establish an American presence in this territory before European powers attempted to …

What was the purpose of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

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. U.S. History Science

What was Louis and Clarks mission?

The mission of Lewis & Clark is to know the traditions of the liberal arts, to test their boundaries through ongoing exploration, and to hand on to successive generations the tools and discoveries of this quest.

Who was British officer on Lewis and Clark Expedition?

Indeed, shortly before Lewis and Clark set out on their expedition for the U.S. government, Alexander Mackenzie, an officer of the British North West Company, a fur trading outfit, had attempted to discover the route.

Why did Lewis and Clark go to New Mexico?

Lewis and Clark were thus instructed to map the territory through which they would pass and to explore all tributaries of the Missouri River. This part of the expedition struck fear into Spanish officials, who believed that Lewis and Clark would encroach on New Mexico, the northern part of New Spain.

Did Lewis and Clark achieve their goals?

They accomplished most of their goals, however, they did not find an all water route to the Pacific Ocean. They mapped the land and provided great detail on plants, animal and people. The effects of their expedition was the inspiration to others to explore and move west.

What were Lewis and Clark trying to reach?

Their mission was to explore the unknown territory, establish trade with the Natives and affirm the sovereignty of the United States in the region. One of their goals was to find a waterway from the US to the Pacific Ocean. Lewis and Clark commanded the Corps of Discovery which consisted of 33 people, including one Indian woman and one slave.

What did Lewis and Clark Hope to find?

Jefferson hoped that Lewis and Clark would find a water route linking the Columbia and Missouri rivers. This water link would connect the Pacific Ocean with the Mississippi River system, thus giving the new western land access to port markets out of the Gulf of Mexico and to eastern cities along the Ohio River and its minor tributaries.

What were Lewis and Clark’s challenges?

Starting out in 1804, Lewis and Clark led an arduous expedition from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean for a total journey of 3,700 miles on man-powered boats, horseback and foot. They faced many obstacles on their journey including bad weather, difficult terrain and dangerous encounters with some Native American tribes .