In this article, we will explore the answer key to the Lewis and Clark Webquest, which is a valuable resource for understanding the famous expedition. Lewis and Clark were tasked with exploring the newly acquired territory of the United States, known as the Louisiana Purchase, and their journey paved the way for westward expansion.
The Lewis and Clark Webquest is an interactive online activity that allows students to actively engage in learning about this important historical event. By answering a series of questions, students can deepen their understanding of the expedition and gain insight into the challenges and achievements of Lewis and Clark.
One of the key questions in the webquest is about the purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The correct answer is that it was a scientific and geographic exploration of the new territory. Through this expedition, Lewis and Clark collected valuable data on the land, flora, fauna, and Native American tribes they encountered along the way. Their findings greatly contributed to the understanding and mapping of the western part of the United States.
Lewis and Clark Webquest Answer Key
In the Lewis and Clark Webquest, students had the opportunity to learn about the famous expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. They explored the key facts and details about the expedition, its purpose, and the challenges the explorers faced.
One of the questions in the webquest asked about the purpose of the expedition. The answer to this question is that the main purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition was to explore the newly acquired territory of the Louisiana Purchase and find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. President Thomas Jefferson hoped to find a viable trade route to the West and establish American presence in the region.
Challenges Faced
- Terrain: The expedition encountered various terrains, including mountains, rivers, and thick forests. This posed challenges for navigation and progress.
- Weather: The expedition experienced extreme weather conditions, including harsh winters and scorching summers. This made travel and survival difficult.
- Encounters with Native American tribes: The explorers encountered numerous Native American tribes along their journey. Some interactions were friendly, while others were hostile. Communication and diplomacy were crucial for the success of the expedition.
- Supplies and provisions: The expedition had to rely on limited supplies and provisions. Hunting, fishing, and trading with Native American tribes were essential for sustenance.
- Health issues: The explorers faced various health issues, including illnesses, injuries, and fatigue. Lack of medical resources and proper nutrition added to their challenges.
Overall, the Lewis and Clark Webquest provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the expedition and its significance in American history. By exploring key questions and conducting research, students gained insights into the challenges faced by Lewis and Clark during their remarkable journey across the uncharted Western territory.
The Background of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, was an exploration journey commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson in 1803. The primary objective of the expedition was to explore and map the newly acquired territories of the United States, specifically the western portion of the country.
The expedition was led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, two experienced military officers chosen by President Jefferson for their skills in leadership and exploration. They were accompanied by a diverse group of men, who were skilled in various fields such as botany, cartography, zoology, and Native American languages.
The expedition began in May 1804 from St. Louis, Missouri and traveled up the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark faced numerous challenges during their journey, including treacherous terrain, harsh weather conditions, and encounters with Native American tribes. They relied on the help and guidance of various Native American tribes along the way, who provided them with crucial knowledge of the land and resources.
Throughout their expedition, Lewis and Clark documented their discoveries, collected valuable scientific data, and established diplomatic relations with Native American tribes. They were the first to provide a detailed account of the western territories, including the Rocky Mountains and the Columbia River.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition played a crucial role in expanding the knowledge and understanding of the western territories of the United States. Their discoveries paved the way for further exploration and settlement of the region, and their achievements continue to be celebrated as a significant milestone in American history.
The Main Objectives of the Expedition
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, was an ambitious undertaking that aimed to achieve several key objectives. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the expedition had a number of strategic, scientific, and diplomatic goals.
1. Explore the Newly Acquired Territory
One of the primary objectives of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. This vast territory, which doubled the size of the United States, was largely uncharted and held great potential for westward expansion. Lewis and Clark were tasked with documenting the landscape, flora, fauna, and indigenous populations they encountered, in order to gain a better understanding of this unexplored land.
2. Find a Water Route to the Pacific
Another significant objective of the expedition was to find a practical water route to the Pacific Ocean. The explorers hoped to discover a navigable river or waterway that would connect the eastern and western parts of the continent. By finding such a route, it would open up more efficient trade and transportation options, as well as provide valuable information for future settlers.
3. Establish Friendly Relationships with Native American Tribes
The Lewis and Clark Expedition also had an important diplomatic objective, which was to establish friendly relationships with Native American tribes they encountered along the way. Lewis and Clark were instructed to engage with the indigenous peoples, learn about their customs and languages, and negotiate treaties and trade agreements when possible. Building positive relationships with indigenous populations was seen as crucial for future expansion and geopolitical stability.
4. Gather Scientific Data
In addition to its strategic and diplomatic goals, the expedition also had a strong scientific focus. Lewis and Clark were tasked with collecting detailed scientific data on the plants, animals, geology, and natural resources of the region. They were accompanied by several skilled scientists, including botanist and naturalist, to document the new discoveries they made. The scientific information gathered during the expedition contributed greatly to the understanding of the natural world and helped expand the knowledge of the United States.
5. Document and Map the Journey
Lastly, a key objective of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was to document and map the entire journey. The explorers meticulously kept journals and made detailed maps of the territories they traversed. These records not only served as valuable documentation of their discoveries, but they also provided valuable information for future explorers, settlers, and cartographers.
Overall, the Lewis and Clark Expedition had a diverse range of objectives, from exploration and diplomacy to scientific discovery and mapping. The achievements of this historic expedition continue to be celebrated and studied, as it laid the groundwork for the westward expansion of the United States.
The Members of the Expedition
The Lewis and Clark expedition was led by two main figures: Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Meriwether Lewis was chosen by President Thomas Jefferson to lead the expedition, as he had proven himself as a capable and knowledgeable explorer. He had previously served as Jefferson’s private secretary and had experience in the military. Lewis was known for his intelligence, curiosity, and attention to detail, which made him the perfect candidate to lead this dangerous and challenging expedition.
William Clark was a close friend and trusted companion of Lewis. He was also an experienced explorer, having served in the military and participated in previous expeditions. Clark was known for his leadership skills, excellent map-making abilities, and his ability to get along with the Native American tribes they encountered along the way. Together, Lewis and Clark formed a strong partnership and provided the necessary leadership and expertise to guide the expedition successfully.
The Corps of Discovery
In addition to Lewis and Clark, the expedition included a group of skilled and brave individuals known as the Corps of Discovery. This group consisted of around 40 men, including soldiers, hunters, interpreters, and boatmen. Each member of the corps had a specific role and responsibility during the expedition.
Some notable members of the Corps of Discovery include Private John Colter, a skilled hunter and expert tracker; York, Clark’s enslaved African American servant; and Sacagawea, a Shoshone woman who joined the expedition as a guide and interpreter. These individuals played crucial roles in the success of the expedition, contributing their unique skills and knowledge to the team.
- John Colter: Skilled hunter and tracker
- York: Enslaved African American servant
- Sacagawea: Shoshone woman, guide, and interpreter
The expedition was a collaborative effort, with each member of the team working together to overcome challenges and achieve the goals set by President Jefferson. The diverse skills and backgrounds of the expedition members allowed them to navigate unfamiliar territory, interact with Native American tribes, and gather valuable scientific and geographical data. Without the contributions of these individuals, the Lewis and Clark expedition would not have been possible.
The Route of the Expedition
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, was an ambitious journey undertaken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from 1804 to 1806. The purpose of the expedition was to explore and map the newly acquired western territory of the United States, known as the Louisiana Purchase. The journey covered a distance of approximately 8,000 miles, spanning across rivers, mountains, and plains.
The expedition started in St. Louis, Missouri, in May 1804, and followed the course of the Missouri River westward. The explorers encountered numerous obstacles and challenges along the way, including treacherous rapids, harsh weather conditions, and unfamiliar territories. They relied on their navigational skills, the help of Native American guides, and their own resourcefulness to navigate through these difficulties.
- The expedition then continued through what is now North Dakota and Montana, reaching the headwaters of the Missouri River and crossing the Continental Divide.
- They encountered the Shoshone tribe, where they obtained horses that helped them cross the Rocky Mountains.
- The expedition made its way through present-day Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, reaching the Pacific Ocean in November 1805.
- After spending the winter on the coast, the explorers began their return journey in the spring of 1806.
- They retraced their steps, exploring new routes and meeting new Native American tribes along the way.
- The expedition finally arrived back in St. Louis in September 1806, two years after it had set out.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition marked a significant milestone in the exploration and expansion of the United States. The explorers’ detailed maps, scientific observations, and reports of the indigenous peoples they encountered provided valuable information about the vast western territories. Their journey opened up new possibilities for settlement and trade, and contributed to the growth and development of the young nation.
Overall, the route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was a daring and groundbreaking exploration that laid the foundation for further westward expansion and helped shape the history of the United States.
Discoveries and Challenges Along the Way
The journey of Lewis and Clark was filled with numerous discoveries and challenges as they explored the uncharted territories of the American West. They encountered a variety of natural wonders, encountered native tribes, and faced numerous hardships along their route.
Geographical Discoveries: One of the main objectives of the Lewis and Clark expedition was to map out the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase and find a navigable water route to the Pacific Ocean. Along their journey, they discovered and documented numerous geographical features such as the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, the Columbia River, and the Cascade Range. Their exploration greatly expanded the knowledge and understanding of the geography of the western United States.
Native Encounters: The expedition had a number of encounters with Native American tribes throughout their journey. They met with tribes such as the Mandan, Sioux, Shoshone, and Nez Perce. These interactions were often both challenging and informative, as Lewis and Clark sought to establish peaceful relations and gather information about the land and its inhabitants. These encounters also provided valuable insights into the diverse cultures and ways of life of the native tribes.
Hardships and Challenges: The journey of Lewis and Clark was not without its difficulties. They faced harsh weather conditions, treacherous terrain, and limited food supplies. The expedition also had to navigate through unknown territories which often posed unforeseen challenges. Additionally, they had to deal with the dangers of encounters with wildlife and the risks of injuries and illnesses. Despite these hardships, Lewis and Clark persevered and successfully completed their expedition, achieving their mission objectives.
Overall, the discoveries and challenges that Lewis and Clark experienced during their expedition greatly contributed to the understanding and exploration of the American West. Their journey paved the way for future explorations and settlements, and their documentation and mapping efforts served as valuable resources for future generations.