Lewis and Clark were two American explorers, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, who set out on an expedition to explore the newly acquired territory of the Louisiana Purchase. Their journey began in May 1804, when they left St. Louis and traveled up the Missouri River until they reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. Their expedition was a major success, as they collected invaluable information about the geography, flora, and fauna of the area, as well as establishing relationships with Native American tribes.
Zebulon Pike was another American explorer who led an expedition in 1806 to explore the southwestern parts of the Louisiana Purchase. His experience was somewhat different from Lewis and Clark's as his focus was on finding suitable locations for military posts and fortifications.
The War of 1812 was a conflict between the United States and Great Britain. It began in June 1812 and ended in February 1815 with a treaty signed in Belgium. The U.S. went to war with Great Britain due to disputes over maritime rights, the impressment of American sailors into the British Navy, and the British blockade of American ports. Americans had mixed feelings about the War of 1812. Some saw it as a necessary defense against British aggression, while others viewed it as a mistake and a waste of resources.
The effects of the War of 1812 were varied. It resulted in the expansion of U.S. territory and increased national pride, but also cost the lives of many soldiers and civilians and increased tensions between the U.S. and Great Britain.