Lewis and Clark
Lewis and Clark: Conflict and Influence
President Jefferson ordered two explorers known as Lewis and Clark to set out on an expedition and explore the West. There were three main reasons for why Lewis and Clark set out on their conquest. The three reasons were to make friendlies with the Indian groups, to find the Northwest Passage, and to explore the land that the U.S. had purchased. Lewis and Clark and their 45-member group left on their expedition in May, 1804. Their journey was rough. But by summer they reached Indian lands. The expedition group needed a camp for the winter so they made their camp near a Mandan village. There they met a French fur trapper and a Shoshone woman named Sacagawea who joined Lewis and Clark on their journey. Lewis and Clark hoped Sacagawea would translate the Indian language for them. In the summer of 1805, the expedition group saw the Rocky Mountains out in the distance. To cross over the Rockies, the group would need horses. Luckily, Sacagawea's brother (now a Shoshone chief), provided the Lewis and Clark and their group with horses. The expedition group made their rough journey over the Rockies. They were on the brink of starvation, but luckily the Nez Perce provided the group with food. Lewis and Clark finally reached the Pacific Ocean in December, 1805. Lewis and Clark left a lasting legacy on the United States. Although they didn't find the Northwest Passage, they did map a route to the Pacific Ocean. The expedition group made friendlies with the Indians and also brought back good reports of the West. Lewis and Clark opened up the west for the United States. Lewis and Clark left a huge influence on the United States and overcame their conflicts.