Grade -- Close   Book Title: The Incredible Journey of Lewis and Clark Author: by Rhoda Blumberg Grade Level: 6 Type: Nonfiction Topic: History-U.S. Lexile: 1060 Discussion Questions What were the main goals of the Lewis and Clark expedition? The main goals were to: find a water route to the Pacific Ocean in order to improve and expand commerce to establish American control of the continent and prevent the British from claiming new territories explore and map the Louisiana Territory collect scientific information about plants, minerals, and wildlife establish peaceful relations with the Indians News of the Louisiana Purchase reached Lewis and Clark just before they left Camp Wood. What impact did the Louisiana Purchase have on the expedition? It changed the nature of the early part of the journey from an undercover intelligence mission on foreign soil to an open exploration of American territory. Lewis could play an open, active role as a diplomat among the Indians. The explorers didn?t have to worry about angering the French by exploring their land. Information gained about the territory could be used to plan future commerce. What kinds of mistakes did Lewis and Clark make in their dealings with Indian tribes? Give examples. They sometimes insulted tribal chiefs because they did not understand the power structures (for example, the relative equality of Partisan and Black Buffalo among the Teton Sioux). They sometimes offended or threatened tribes by mentioning their friendships with other tribes (for example, when Lewis told the Blackfeet he was a friend of the Shoshoni). They sometimes aroused Indians? suspicions through their own ignorance or attitude (for example, by offering liquor to some tribes or camping among the Chinook and Clatsop without being invited). Why do you think the partnership between Lewis and Clark was so successful? They were friends. They respected each other?s skills. Lewis specifically requested that Clark be his partner on this adventure. Their skills complemented each other. Lewis had particular knowledge of science and medicine; Clark had military leadership experience and mapmaking skills. Their skills overlapped so that they could back each other up. For example, when chief scout Clark was lame, Lewis led a scouting expedition. When Lewis was ailing, Clark acted as spokesman with the Indian chiefs. In what ways did Lewis and Clark succeed in their journey, and in what ways did they fail? They succeeded in exploring a vast unknown territory but failed to find a practical water route to the Pacific Ocean. They succeeded in meeting and establishing relations with many Indian tribes but failed to ensure peace or loyalty to the United States. They succeeded in establishing American control of a large territory but did not prevent the English or the Spanish from claiming new lands.

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