Reference no: EM133449491
The Louisiana Purchase and western expansion
When Thomas Jefferson purchased 827,000 square miles of Louisiana Territory from France for $15 million, he considered it one of the greatest achievements of his presidency. The new land was expansive, and Americans saw potential for settlement. However, Jefferson wanted to find out first what the land contained, so he commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to travel to the Pacific Ocean and back, documenting what they found. The explorers met many Native Americans along their way, most of whom were friendly. But, when it came time for Americans to settle the land, they tried to push the natives out. Another major problem Americans faced as they settled the new land was the issue of slavery. Which parts of the territory would legally allow slaves?
Imagine that it is August 14, 1804, and you are Meriwether Lewis. After you wake up in the morning, you sit down by your campfire to contemplate your upcoming day and review a to-do list to ensure that all of your tasks are accomplished. From the following list, select the tasks that you would have included on your to-do list. Check all that apply
To-Do List August 14, 1804
Check all that apply.
Continue to travel up the Missouri River in search of the mountains in the distance.
Earn political allies from western Native Americans.
Continue to use violent means against Native Americans to achieve goals.
Continue searching for passage to the Pacific Ocean.
Take solo excursions to explore the topography and landscape.
Defer to male tribal leaders rather than ask Sacagawea for advice.
Bring gifts for Native American leaders.