What was the purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

The Lewis and Clark expedition, which took place from 1804 to 1806, was primarily aimed at exploring the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the United States sought to understand the vast landscapes, resources, and potential for settlement and trade that this territory encompassed. The expedition aimed to map the region, document the flora and fauna, and establish connections with Native American tribes in order to gather valuable information about the land. Lewis and Clark were directed to assess the possibility of a water route to the Pacific Ocean, which played a significant role in shaping American interests in westward expansion.

The focus on exploring the Louisiana Territory distinguishes this expedition from others that may involve trade or policy formulation. In particular, while trade with Native tribes was a consideration, the primary goal during this expedition was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the territory rather than establishing trade networks. Similarly, surveying the eastern coastline and formulating policies for westward expansion are not direct objectives of this specific expedition, which instead emphasized exploration and documentation of a largely uncharted region.