Final answer:
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, was a pivotal exploration undertaken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to map the Louisiana Purchase and find a Northwest Passage. They faced significant challenges but brought back crucial information about the region, despite failing to find the non-existent all-water passage. Their work laid the foundation for American growth into these new territories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, commonly known as the Corps of Discovery, was a significant exploratory mission led by Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lieutenant William Clark. Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, the expedition aimed to map and explore the Louisiana Purchase territory and search for potential trade routes, specifically an all-waterway Northwest Passage to the Pacific which did not exist. Despite not finding such a passage, the expedition collected valuable information on the new land's geography, native tribes, and the rich biodiversity, which included plants, animals, and mineral samples. After facing numerous challenges, such as harsh weather, encounters with wild animals, and near-starvation, they successfully reached the Pacific Ocean in 1805 and returned in 1806. Lewis and Clark's contributions greatly enhanced the understanding of the American West, paving the way for future settlement and exploration.
Jefferson's Instructions for the Corps of Discovery
Before the journey, Jefferson provided detailed instructions to Lewis about the objectives and management of the expedition. With a budget of only $2,500, the Corps of Discovery began its journey from the Mississippi River's mouth, traveling across the uncharted Northwest to the Pacific Coast. Along their route, they documented everything from the local customs of tribes to scientific observations of flora and fauna. Although the quest for a Northwest Passage was unsuccessful, the expedition's findings were a monumental achievement and significantly contributed to the country's geographical and scientific knowledge.