Lewis and Clark :: essays research papers

My response they do matterCaptain Meriwether Lewis and William Clark took the risk of life, limb, and liberty to bring back the cunning and valuable knowledge of the Pacific Northwest of the United States territory. Their accomplishments of surviving the trek and delivering the data to the U.S. government, have altered the course of history, but have near Historians and authors stating, It produced nothing useful., and having added little to the armoury of science and wealth. Lewis and Clarks transit is one of the most(prenominal) famous and most unknown adventures of Americas frontier. What makes Lewis and Clark truly significant historical figures, or not? It depends on your perspective. To the Native Americans, it was the beginning of an end. Their lives leave be changed unendingly by their contact with the fur conductrs, soldiers, and missionaries that followed in the wake of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Certainly the changes will be gradual, but changes none the les s(prenominal). The changes will be no less profound for European Americans. President Jeffersons orders were far-reaching. While Lewis and Clark did not discover a Northwest Passage or start the western fur plow or overland immigration, they certainly influenced the latter two movements. They provided valuable information about the topography, the biological sciences, the ecology, and ethnic and linguistic studies of the American Indian. The mysteries of the vast orbital cavity known as the Louisiana Purchase quickly disappeared after Lewis and Clark. geographical discovery was an essential goal that Jefferson set for the expedition. Lewis and Clark recorded a wealth of scientific knowledge as they noted significant geographic features, do detailed route maps, and recorded their observations of longitude and latitude. Lewis performed most the astronomical duties and Clark charted the course and drafted expedition maps. Jefferson was especially concerned that Lewis and Clark esta blish good connections with the Indians and carry out linguistic and ethnological studies. Consequently, they held several meetings with the Indian tribes they met on their journey. The Americans wanted to open the brink to diplomatic relations and gain access to trading rights with the Indians too. They were instructed to notify the Indians of the cutting sovereignty of the United States under the terms of the Louisiana Purchase. In fashioning these contacts, they hoped to shift trade away from the Spanish, French, English, and Russian competitors and toward American interests. Lewis and Clark were viewing trade as a long-term venture, while the Indians wanted an immediate commutation or merchandise.