Lewis and Clark Expedition flash cards 2

Meriwether Lewis

Leader of the Lewis and Clark expedition, former military officer, knowledgeable about Native American languages and customs.

William Clark

Second-in-command of the expedition, had frontier experience.

Sacagawea

Native American guide and interpreter who assisted with navigation and established relationships with Native tribes.

Thomas Jefferson

U.S. President who initiated the Lewis and Clark expedition after the Louisiana Purchase.

Reasons for the Exploration

To find a route to the Pacific Ocean, establish contact with Native Americans, document new species, and expand fur trade.

Hardships Encountered

Harsh wilderness and weather, dangerous wildlife and terrain, navigational challenges, and struggles with hunger.

Interactions with Native Americans

Mostly positive, as Native tribes provided supplies and guidance, but some conflict occurred with the Blackfeet.

Impact on the U.S.

Established the possibility of overland travel to the Pacific, discovered resources, and led to territorial expansion.

Northwest Passage

A sought-after sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which was not found during the expedition.

Vast natural resources

New species of plants and animals discovered during the expedition that contributed to scientific knowledge.

Oregon Territory

Region claimed by the U.S. strengthened by the findings of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Territorial disputes

Conflicts that arose over land claims, partially set in motion by the discoveries of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Navigational challenges

Difficulties faced by explorers due to limited resources during the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Fur trade opportunities

Potential economic benefits identified through the exploration of new territories by Lewis and Clark.

Documentation of new species

Recording and studying previously unrecognized plants, animals, and minerals during the expedition.

Blackfeet Indians

Native American tribe with whom the Lewis and Clark expedition experienced conflict during their return trip.

Established relationships

Positive interactions with Native tribes that aided the expedition in supplies and guidance.

Hunger and foraging

Challenges the expedition faced that involved reliance on hunting and gathering food.

Frontier experience

Experience possessed by William Clark which was essential for navigating and surviving in uncharted territories.

Louisiana Purchase

Acquisition of land by the U.S. from France, which spurred the initiation of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Navigation assistance

Support provided by Sacagawea and Native Americans to help the expedition traverse unknown lands.