Differences Between Lewis And Clark

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are well-known for their exploration westward in an effort to expand the United States territory. Lewis and Clark were charged with exploring the Louisiana territory, mapping the territory and water routes, recording land resources, establishing trade with the Native American people, and claiming the land in the West for the United States. During the expedition, Lewis and Clark had encounters with over 50 different Native American tribes, and in order to expand in the West, Thomas Jefferson encouraged Lewis and Clark to treat the Native American Indians in a friendly and non-hostile manner. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were respectful to the Native Americans because they learned about each tribe’s culture,

At one point in their journey, Lewis and Clark were accompanied by a Shoshone couple and their child who helped Lewis and Clark with interpreting. Clark demonstrated respect to Shabono and Sacagawea by offering to allow them travel to Illinois with Lewis and Clark which they declined. In the diary entry written by Clark, he stated, “I offered to take his son, a beautiful promising child, who is 19 months old, to which they both, himself, and wife were willing” (Document D). Clark offering to take the child showed he respected their decision as Native Americans and parents, but he was willing to provide a better way of life for the child. Clark did not demonstrate that he was forceful in offering to take the child which also shows that he respected their choice. By demonstrating respect, Clark was given permission to take their child and raise their child however Clark felt was most proper and appropriate.

While Lewis and Clark clearly demonstrated respect to the Native American Indians, opponents would argue that Lewis and Clark were disrespectful because an Indian was murdered. In an article by Times Magazine, the text quoted Lewis as saying the Blackfeet were, “a vicious, lawless and rather an abandoned bunch of wretches” (Document C). Lewis may or may not have said this during a discussion, but this does not mean that if Lewis did say this that he disregarded or disrespected Indian life. In an account in his diary, Lewis stated,