Lewis and Clark Expedition 1804-1806 — Reading Comprehension

The Lewis and Clark Expedition began in 1804 as a result of President Thomas Jefferson’s desire to explore and map the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Jefferson had just overseen the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States. However, American leaders had little accurate information about the land, the peoples who lived there, or its resources. Jefferson saw this as a problem because effective governance and settlement required detailed knowledge of the territory.

The president chose Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead a group called the Corps of Discovery. Their mission included finding a water route to the Pacific Ocean, studying plants and animals, and establishing diplomatic relations with Native American tribes. Lewis wrote in his journal, "The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri River, & such principal stream of it, as, by its course and communication with the waters of the Pacific Ocean...may offer the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent for the purposes of commerce." This quote highlights both the economic motivations and the importance of scientific observation for the expedition.

The journey was filled with challenges. The expedition members faced harsh weather, dangerous terrain, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. Cooperation with Native American tribes was essential for survival. While some tribes, such as the Mandan and Shoshone, provided vital assistance, others were wary or resistant to the newcomers. Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman, played a crucial role as an interpreter and guide, helping the Corps to communicate and trade with different groups. From the perspective of many Native Americans, the arrival of Lewis and Clark brought both opportunities for trade and threats to traditional ways of life.

While the expedition is often celebrated for its achievements, it is important to examine its impact critically. Some argue that the Corps of Discovery opened the door for American expansion and settlement in the West. This expansion, however, led to increased pressure on Native American lands and cultures. The expedition’s journals provided valuable documentation of landscapes, plants, animals, and peoples, but also marked the beginning of profound changes for Indigenous communities. The contrast between the American government’s goals and the realities faced by Native peoples demonstrates the complexity of westward exploration.

The results of the Lewis and Clark Expedition were far-reaching. The team mapped vast stretches of the continent, collected hundreds of plant and animal specimens, and strengthened American claims to the Oregon Territory. Yet, the journey also raised ethical questions about exploration and its consequences. The expedition’s legacy is a blend of scientific achievement, cultural encounter, and the start of westward expansion that would reshape the nation.

Interesting Fact: During their journey, the Corps of Discovery was the first official U.S. group to cross the Continental Divide, a mountain ridge that separates rivers flowing to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

When did the Lewis and Clark Expedition start?

Who was president during the expedition?

What river did Lewis and Clark explore?

Why did Jefferson send Lewis and Clark?

How did Native Americans help the expedition?

What was one result of the expedition?

The Corps of Discovery reached the Pacific Ocean.

What does 'diplomatic' mean in the passage?