Goals of the Expedition

Worksheet Description

This worksheet outlines the multifaceted objectives of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson as part of a broader strategy to explore and map the newly acquired territories of the Louisiana Purchase. It details how the expedition aimed to document geographical features, establish trade routes, and forge relationships with Native American tribes. The text highlights the strategic and scientific importance of the expedition’s goals, such as mapping rivers, mountains, and the path to the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, it describes their encounters with diverse cultures and the natural environment along their journey.

The worksheet is designed to teach students about the complex purposes behind the Lewis and Clark Expedition, emphasizing its role in expanding the United States’ territorial and geopolitical knowledge. It aims to illustrate how the expedition sought to secure American interests through diplomacy, trade, and scientific discovery. Students will learn about the challenges faced and the strategic thinking involved in such an extensive undertaking. By engaging with this content, students are encouraged to appreciate the expedition’s contributions to the development and understanding of the American frontier.