This essay describes the Lewis and Clark expedition, and what effects it had on the U.S.

Shortly after acquiring the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, President Jefferson resolved that an expedition should be organized to determine the extent of the United States' new purchase. He realized that some Senators and Congressmen mocked his ideas and viewed the West as a worthless wasteland. Therefore, he asked Congress for only $2500 to finance a "Voyage of Discovery". The low cost estimate helped guarantee that political opponents could not veto his decision. The President promised …

…They had come back with many accomplishments, among of which were discovering and categorizing 122 new types of animals, 178 new types of plants, and explaining a vast amount about the Native Americans' vocabulary, customs, and lifestyles. Although they failed to find a water route across North America, they succeeded as scientists and pathfinders who helped draw the nation west. Because of them, The United States could hope to become a nation whose lands reached the Pacific.