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How Did Jefferson Use The Corps Of Discovery?

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During the Jeffersonian era in American history expansion of the United States was ever present. Under the presidency of Jefferson, this was no exception. In 1803, Jefferson purchased a large tract of land west of the Mississippi river that was owned by France. Jefferson jumped at this opportunity to expand the country, encourage farming, and trade. Even before the Louisiana Purchase Jefferson wanted to explore what was west of the Mississippi. But because of the relations of the countries who owned or inhabited the territory it could potentially be hostile. So when this territory became available Jefferson wanted it. Before it was officially purchased Jefferson wanted a group of men to go explore this territory and write about the flora, fauna, soil, and if there was an economic trade route to the ocean. To lead this group Jefferson enlisted his personal secretary Meriwether Lewis. Lewis then chose men who he deemed fit for the endeavor, one of which was William Clark who would be captain alongside Lewis. Once the Corps of Discovery spent the first winter …show more content…

This act of recognition is not to be confused with being an actual guide for the Corps of Discovery. When the men heard about Sacagawea recognizing the rock it boosted their spirits after an definitive choice. Although Sacagawea did misinterpret or misunderstand when Clark asked her how to say “Friends” in Shoshone, instead she told him the word for stranger which is “tab-bab-bone”.The Native American turned around and was out of sight, This would be the last Native American they would see for a bit. Clark believed that it was possible they would never get the horses because of this interaction. Once Lewis and Clark did find the Shoshones Sacagawea proved her worth even more. She, along with two other people, interpreted the Shoshone language into Hidatsa language which then would be translated by her husband into French and then into english by a member of the expedition team,

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