Lewis and Clark's expedition, formally known as the Corps of Discovery, had several goals that can be categorized into economic and diplomatic objectives:
a. Economic:
- Exploration of Resources: One of the primary economic goals was to explore and document the natural resources of the western territories, including potential for trade, agriculture, and other economic activities.
- Mapping New Territories: The expedition sought to create detailed maps of the newly acquired lands from the Louisiana Purchase, which would help facilitate trade and settlement.
- Establishing Trade Routes: They aimed to identify and establish new trade routes that could benefit American merchants, particularly routes to the Pacific Ocean for trade with Asia.
- Fur Trade: The expedition was also interested in exploring the possibilities of the fur trade and identifying potential partners among Native American tribes.
- Agricultural Opportunities: Assessing the land for its agricultural potential was another goal, as the U.S. sought to expand its agricultural base.
b. Diplomatic:
- Relations with Native American Tribes: A key diplomatic goal was to establish friendly relations with Native American tribes encountered along the journey, which would facilitate trade and peaceful coexistence.
- Claiming Territory: The expedition aimed to assert U.S. sovereignty over the newly acquired territories and inform other nations that the U.S. intended to explore and settle these areas.
- Negotiation for Trade: The expedition focused on negotiating trade agreements with different tribes and understanding their cultures and social structures, which would aid future diplomatic relations.
- Information Gathering: By documenting the various tribes, their languages, customs, and trade practices, Lewis and Clark aimed to provide valuable information for the U.S. Government in its dealings with these tribes.
- Strengthening U.S. Presence: Through their journey, they aimed to enhance the U.S. presence in the West, showing an intent to settle and govern these lands, which was significant in the geopolitical context of the time.
Overall, both economic and diplomatic goals were essential for the United States as it sought to expand its territory and influence in the early 19th century.