The early 19th-century United States expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, journeyed through the uncharted American West. Its primary objectives included mapping the territory, establishing American presence, finding a practical route for commerce, and documenting the region’s natural resources and Native American cultures. This exploration holds significance in Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) curricula as a pivotal event shaping westward expansion and defining early American foreign policy.
The endeavor’s importance stems from its impact on territorial claims, economic development, and interactions with indigenous populations. The detailed records produced during the expedition provided invaluable geographical and scientific data, contributing to subsequent settlement and resource exploitation. Furthermore, the encounters with Native American tribes, while initially intended to foster trade and diplomatic relations, ultimately contributed to the complex and often fraught history of U.S.-Native American relations in the 19th century.
