Why were Lewis and Clark Important?
Made by Colby Higley
What did they do?
The Lewis and Clark expedition was one of the most important expeditions and was the first American expedition to cross what is now the western portion of the United States, departing in May 1804, from near Saint Louis making their way westward through the continental divide to the Pacific coast. They were trying to discover a new water route to make travelling better and also trying to find new things in the newly purchased land.
Who were lewis and Clark?
Lewis and Clark were the main people in the new territory of Louisiana.The expedition was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson shortly after the Louisiana Purchase of in 1803. Lewis was born August 18, 1774, near Charlottesville, Virginia, and was a neighbor of Thomas Jefferson. Clark was born on August 1, 1770,he was 4 years older than Lewis.. Clark was more of a physical person, while Lewis was smarter and more educated. Lewis was the person who kept track of everything while, Clark was the one discovering new things.
What were some of their discoveries?
Many of the things they discovered were some animals, plants, and some native tribes. They discovered animals weren't really discovered but just given a name also with plants. Many of the native tribes helped them , and an Indian girl named Sacagawea was a big help since she knew a lot of people in the tribes.
What impact did they have on the future?
Lewis and Clark's expedition impacted us by helping us know more animals and plants. He kept a journal and wrote about his whole experience and made a map of Louisiana. The journal helps us know about all the animals back then and compare them to the ones we have now. The plants he "discovered" helped in medicine because he wrote about how he used them during the trip. He found a waterway that currently leads to the Erie Canal and that made the way back faster and helped many travelers get there faster.
Lewis and Clark Expedition
Lewis & Clark - The Journey of the Corps of Discovery.Documentary Film|HD720| 1997
How did Lewis and Clark get involved in the expedition?
Lewis got involved because he was an old neighbor of the president at the time Thomas Jefferson, he knew about Lewis and about how he knew a lot about science and loved to travel. Clark was not known as much but Lewis was his friend and knew how Clark had military skills that could help him on the trip.
Why did Thomas Jefferson buy the Louisiana Territory?
He bought Louisiana because he knew he could get more land to farm. The land was cheap and it was cheap because Napoleon the French leader at the time was scared that Spain or England was going to claim it. Jefferson wanted the land because it could help with transporting goods along the country. He did that because he didn't want any state to be struggling. With this purchase the U.S. nearly doubled its size.
Bibliography
"About Lewis & Clark Historic Trail." Lewis and Clark's Historic Trail. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2016.
"Lewis and Clark by Kennadie Campbell." Lewis and Clark. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2016.
"National Geographic: Lewis & ClarkDiscoveriesPlants." National Geographic: Lewis & ClarkDiscoveriesPlants. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2016.