Answer:
Lewis and Clark changed the United States by helping to expand the nation's territory through their exploration of the newly purchased Louisiana Territory. Their expedition provided crucial information about the land west of the Mississippi River, which was essential for future expansion.
Evidence from the text:
- "President Jefferson asked Lewis to explore the newly purchased Louisiana territory." This shows that the expedition was a direct response to the acquisition of new land.
- "Their expedition helped discover what the land west of the Mississippi River was like." This indicates that they gathered important geographical and cultural knowledge.
- "The maps and information they returned with were extremely helpful in allowing President Jefferson to begin expanding the nation's territory." This clearly states that their findings played a key role in the nation’s expansion.
By exploring over 7,000 miles and documenting the terrain, rivers, wildlife, and Native American tribes, Lewis and Clark provided the U.S. government with vital data that enabled informed decisions about settlement and territorial growth. Their journey laid the foundation for westward expansion and increased American presence across the continent.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of race writing strategy worksheet.
