Question

What was the reason President Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark on an expedition?

1. He wanted to find a route to the Pacific Ocean

2. He wanted to expand the fur trading business

3. He wanted to claim more land beyond Louisiana

4. He wanted to conquer Spanish-held territories

Answer 1

President Thomas Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark on their expedition primarily for multiple reasons, but the most significant one was to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and seek a route to the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, the best answer would be:

1. He wanted to find a route to the Pacific Ocean.

While the expedition also had implications for fur trading and claiming land, the primary goal was to chart a route to the Pacific and better understand the geography and resources of the region.