10.2- The Louisiana Purchase

What was the Corps of Discovery?

The Corps of Discovery was a group led by Lewis and Clark made up of 31 other people accompanying them on their expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory. Clark also brought along his slave York, who was a good hunter and fisherman.

Who did Jefferson send to explore the Louisiana Territory?

He sent two United States captains (Meriwether Lewis and William Clark) to lead an expedition to explore the new territory.

What specifically did Jefferson want Lewis and Clark to do when they went to explore the Louisiana Territory?

He wanted them to explore and map the territory beginning at the Missouri River and ending at the Pacific Ocean and obtain information about the animal life (fauna), plant life (flora), climate, and local Native Americans in the area.

Who was Sacagawea and how did she help Lewis and Clark?

Lewis and Clark met Sacagawea when they stayed with the Mandan tribe for the first winter of their trip and she agreed to accompany them on their journey. She carried her newborn baby, Jean-Baptiste, with her as a symbol of peace to other tribes. Sacagawea's knowledge of edible fruits and berries, healing qualities of plants and herbs, local languages, and familiarity with the terrain was crucial to the expedition's success.

Why did Napoleon (the leader of France) close New Orleans to US shipping?

Napoleon closed New Orleans to US shipping because he wanted to establish an empire in North America. The Louisiana Territory was controlled by France and western American farmers relied on the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans to ship their crops to the east coast.

What was the effect the expedition had on the United States?

On the expedition, the Corps of Discovery established US claims to the Pacific Northwest before Britain could take over the territory which allowed for trade with new nations. They classified 178 new species of plants and 122 new species of animals, discovered an abundance of beavers and buffalo that could be used for fur trade, made peace with many Native American tribes, and allowed for settlers to move into the area in the future.

Describe what happened when representatives from France and the US discussed buying New Orleans.

President Thomas Jefferson sent Secretary of State James Monroe to negotiate the purchase of New Orleans from a French official named Charles Maurice de Talleyrand. Talleyrand offered to sell all of Louisiana to Monroe for $15 million, which is about 4 cents per acre. The purchase was approved in 1803 and it doubled the size of the nation.

Name the dangers the Corps of Discovery faced while on the expedition.

They faced the rough waters of the Missouri River, the dangerous Rocky Mountains, extreme weather conditions, fierce animals, hostile Native Americans, starvation, and diseases.

What did the Corps of Discovery bring with them on their journey?

They packed navigation equipment, camp supplies and tools, presents for Natives, clothing, blankets, guns and ammunition, medicinal supplies, and reference books.