Analysis Of Undaunted Courage By Steven Ambrose

Undaunted Courage by Steven Ambrose is written about the exploration of the West by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Thomas Jefferson, president of the United States, decided to send Lewis on this exploration, and Lewis chose to take Clark along with him. Many people criticized Jefferson because westward expansion had been tried before and failed. Others argued that he shouldn’t be allowed to purchase land with their tax dollars. Ambrose argues that Jefferson made the correct decision in choosing Lewis to explore the land that makes up Louisiana, Arkansas, parts of northeastern Texas, Oklahoma, eastern Colorado, and Minnesota (Kindle Locations 92-93). Ambrose argues his thesis very clearly. He gives many descriptions as to why Lewis was

Without the pictures of the maps, the entire half of the book over the exploration would have been confusing. For example, many places were unknown because they hadn’t been explored yet, so with the map pictures it made it clear where Lewis was. The quotes also added to the realization of the book. It is easier to understand how Jefferson and Lewis were feeling when we were given quotes from each person. My favorite quote is from the letter Jefferson sent Lewis’ mother regarding his suicide, he wrote “…is a great loss to the world also; as no pen can ever give us so faithful & lively an account of the countries & nations which he saw, as his own would have done, under the guidance of impressions made by the objects themselves” (Kindle Locations 9990). It truly explains that not only was Lewis an explorer for Jefferson, but a friend. He was deeply saddened at his death. Lastly, the honesty that Ambrose added was great. It showed you both sides, where so many history books only include the good things. He wasn’t afraid to add Jefferson’s lack of confidence and Lewis’ mistakes. Overall, the book is a great read, even for those who do not enjoy