Background Information
The Corps of Discovery, otherwise known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, was the greatest peacetime undertaking in the military history of the United States. The Corps of Discovery, led by Lewis and Clark, included 33 permanent members. Some of these members, such as Sacagawea, will remain cloaked in mystery. Others, such as William Clark's slave York, may never receive the recognition they deserve. Nonetheless, the Lewis and Clark Expedition marks one of the great achievements in American history and a turning point for the United States. So great were the contributions of The Corps of Discovery that it is difficult to measure the full impact it has had on American society. The Corps of Discovery: What was its greatest achievement?
Mapping the West
United States President Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. The French and Spanish had been scuffling over the territory for some time which caused many problems for the American government. In fact, Jefferson had already asked Congress to fund an expedition to explore the region, no matter who owned it, months prior to its purchase. Napoleon agreed to sell the territory, which would double the size of the United States, for $15 million after an unforeseeable rash of bad luck. This bad fortune included a slave revolt that led to the death of many French troops from Yellow Fever as well as to conflicts with both Spain and Britain. These events caused Napoleon to rethink his plans for a New France in the New World.
Who could have guessed that the Lewis and Clark Expedition would become one of the great adventures of American history? The Corps of Discovery spent over two years carefully mapping, surveying, and exploring this territory in hope of finding a water route to the Pacific. They recorded latitude and longitude of geographically important points using astronomical observations, mapped the course of various waterways and recorded the locations of significant geographical features. Together, they mapped and explored over 820,000 square miles of nearly unknown territory.
Who could have guessed that the Lewis and Clark Expedition would become one of the great adventures of American history? The Corps of Discovery spent over two years carefully mapping, surveying, and exploring this territory in hope of finding a water route to the Pacific. They recorded latitude and longitude of geographically important points using astronomical observations, mapped the course of various waterways and recorded the locations of significant geographical features. Together, they mapped and explored over 820,000 square miles of nearly unknown territory.
Cataloguing Flora & Fauna
In addition to recording important geographic information, the Corps of Discovery was always on the lookout for unknown plant (flora) and animal (fauna) species. They recorded information about these new species in their journals and collected both living and dead specimens to send back to President Jefferson. Lewis recorded and kept specimens of over 200 species of plants as well as a wide variety of animal skeletons and skins. In addition to these items, living creatures such as a prairie dog, grouse, and some magpies were also sent back to President Jefferson. Many of these species were previously unknown to Western science.
Befriending the Native Americans
One of the primary goals of the expedition was to befriend the Indian tribes that inhabited the territory and establish trade with them. The Corps of Discovery were excellent goodwill ambassadors, befriending over 40 tribes while engaging only one in hostilities. The Corps carried a large supply of peace medals, beads, and certificates to help them accomplish this goal. They also recorded valuable information about the tribes and their cultures. The Corps benefited greatly from these relationships as they often relied upon their Native American friends to provide information, guides, and lodging.
Valuing Cooperation
The Corps of Discovery's success was due, in great part, to the joint efforts of the group. The leadership of Lewis and Clark was visionary and democratic. The leaders knew that not only would they have to provide strong leadership and discipline to the Corps, but also that they would have to rely on each other and others in the group to be successful. Although Clark had been denied the promotion to Captain that Lewis had requested, the two men functioned as equals and the Corps never knew that Lewis outranked Clark.
Although Clark brought along his slave York, he referred to him as "my servant," and York was essential to the overall success of the mission. They also hired a French trader named Toussant Charboneau as a guide. His teenaged wife, Sacagawea, was vital to their success, helping the Corps obtain horses from the Shoshone. While Lewis and Clark were undoubtedly strong leaders, many decisions were made based on a group vote and all members of the party, including Sacagawea and York, participated. The cooperation and interdependence of such a diverse group of people, given the period of history, truly demonstrates that our strength is in our unity.
Although Clark brought along his slave York, he referred to him as "my servant," and York was essential to the overall success of the mission. They also hired a French trader named Toussant Charboneau as a guide. His teenaged wife, Sacagawea, was vital to their success, helping the Corps obtain horses from the Shoshone. While Lewis and Clark were undoubtedly strong leaders, many decisions were made based on a group vote and all members of the party, including Sacagawea and York, participated. The cooperation and interdependence of such a diverse group of people, given the period of history, truly demonstrates that our strength is in our unity.
A DBQ by Monica Kavanagh, 2010