National History Day Analysis

National History Day Documentary Script

The year is 1803. America is slowly ascending the threshold of opportunity set before it. Being within existence for less than three decades, America progresses at a much more rapid pace than that of its predecessors, revolutionizing the way the world thinks of politics, human rights, free will, liberty, opportunity, individualism. By this time, America was awaiting an outlet expand its horizons to compensate for the growth it was experiencing during the early years of construction. But through the means of the Louisiana purchase, in 1803, an expedition undertaken by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark uncovered the mystery behind the Louisiana territory. Through the exploration of the rugged terrain,

Lewis was 30 by this time, a former member of the Virginia state militia, he fought to quell the infamous Whiskey rebellion. He later went on to join the army where he not only achieved the rank of captain, he befriended a fellow soldier, William Clark, as they were serving together in the military. They parted in 1796 when Lewis was asked to be Jefferson’s personal aide and Clark went on to manage family affairs. Yet, in fall of 1803, Clark received a letter from Lewis urging him to come along on the expedition of the Louisiana Territory Jefferson had planned Lewis to lead. He accepted his offer, and the two (along with a specialized military unit that Jefferson provided in order to aide along them in their journey known as the Corps of Discovery) began preparing for the trip shortly after in St. Louis, Missouri. Jefferson’s purpose for commissioning the expedition was to find a water route from the Mississippi River which connected to the Columbia River, which would in turn connect to the Pacific Ocean. This would allow Jefferson access to port markets outside of the Gulf of Mexico and access to eastern cities along the coast of the Ohio River. His secondary objectives were to map the area and provide information about the wildlife, the landscape, the plant life, and to establish trade with local indian

Once they arrived, they encountered a band of 60 warriors who perceived them as a threat for carrying firearms. They dropped them and gave them gifts to ensure their peaceful intentions, which they accepted. Lewis and Clark and the principle chief, Cameahwait shared food and talked. Lewis and Clark needed horses to continue their journey after Cameahwait told them that no water route would lead directly to the Pacific Ocean. He was not willing to meet their demands, because the Shoshone were already in shambles since they were being attacked by other indian tribes who trade with the French and British who provide them firearms, while they traded with the Spanish who refused to provide firearms. Sacagawea joined the negotiations, very much to Cameahwait;s surprise since she was his sister. The Shoshone exchange for the Corps promise to bring them firearms after the journey. The Corps gained 29 horses, a mule, and a Shoshone guide called “Old