What was the purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?
1 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.
Explanation:
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.
