Lewis and Clark
"You are children of a great new father", Meriwether Lewis declared to the Native Americans the Corps of Discovery encountered on the expedition that shaped history. Most people tend to think that there isn't enough credit given to Lewis and Clark, but I believe the opposite. Seldom are the Native Americans mentioned that made the Westward expansion of the young United States possible. Although the extensive preparation immensely helped, without the kindness and open minds of most Native Americans, in particular Sacagawea, the Shoshones, Salish, and Nez Perces, the expedition wouldn't have been such a success. Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, was crossing his fingers upon finding a continuous water route that ran straight through to the Pacific Ocean after he purchased the Louisiana Territory from France. Jefferson felt that the Native Americans were potential trading partners. He asked Congress to fund the expedition; they approved spending $25,000. In 1803, He selected 28-year-old Meriwether Lewis, his private secretary, and Lewis chose his 32-year-old friend William Clark to join him, both formerly in the army, to explore the West in 1804. Their duties were to basically explo
This was the only violent interaction between the two races. Without the aid and support of the Native Americans, the end result would have been much choppier, and undoubtedly bloodier. On the trek back, the corps paid another visit to the tribe to reclaim the horses they left with them. The tribe allowed them to camp nearby while waiting for the snow to melt so they could pass through the mountains. Lewis promised they would grant their wish and give them whatever else they desired. One Blackfoot was stabbed; Lewis shot another in the gut. Clark approached them and offered ribbon, as a symbol of their peaceful intentions. Despite that, in the beginning her help was not appreciated by the corps of discovery. Most importantly, shelter was provided during the harsh winter months. Peace with the inhabitants of the unexplored territory would. Throughout those months, they interacted frequently. Like all tribes, the Nez Perce wanted guns, so they were willing to help as long as they were able to obtain some. Three boys spotted them, then quickly hid themselves in tall grass. Not only were the gifts symbols of peace, and trade, but also representations of what the United States had to offer. Perhaps she won Lewis and Clark's respect when she saved their valuable supplies from unexpected disaster.
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