Final answer:
The Corps of Discovery, led by Lewis and Clark, explored the Missouri River to seek a Northwest Passage and chart the new territories of the U.S. They faced challenges but brought back significant geographical and cultural knowledge, although they did not find the all-water route they hoped for.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Corps of Discovery
The Corps of Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, was a pivotal expedition commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson with multiple objectives. Contrary to the first statement, they were not searching for a passage to travel from north to south but were looking for a Northwest Passage—a waterway for direct and practical travel to the Pacific for trade purposes. The purpose of the expedition included exploring the Missouri River and its tributaries to find a possible water route to the Pacific, as well as to map the territory, document its natural resources and wildlife, and establish relations with Native American tribes for trade. Although they did not find an all-water route to the Pacific, as none existed, they gathered extensive knowledge and greatly contributed to the United States solidifying its claim to the new western territories.
During their journey, they faced numerous challenges such as harsh weather, difficult terrain, and encounters with various wildlife. Despite the hardships, they managed to reach the Pacific Ocean and return with valuable information that significantly expanded America's geographical knowledge and reinforced its territorial claims.