How would Lewis and Clark’s expedition changed U.S history if it didn't happen?

How did Lewis and Clark’s expedition affect the government and society of the U.S?

I am stuck on these questions. I have "They started the first expedition to cross the western U.S. to the Pacific Ocean." so far. I really need help!

I guess I would ask: "Why did the new US Government decide that it was important to spread west toward the Pacific from the Atlantic Coast?

What would the US look like if that had not happened?
This might help:
http://www.ushistory.org/us/21b.asp

Sure! I can help you with these questions.

1. How would Lewis and Clark’s expedition have changed U.S history if it didn't happen?

To answer this question, you can consider the various impacts and legacies of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Here are a few points to explore:

a) Territorial Expansion: The expedition allowed the United States to claim and map vast territories in the West, including Oregon, Washington, and parts of present-day Montana, Idaho, and California. Without this knowledge, the U.S might not have been able to make informed decisions about acquiring and settling these areas.

b) Economic Development: The expedition documented the natural resources and potential trade routes in the West, which played a crucial role in stimulating economic development and encouraging westward expansion. The absence of this knowledge could have hindered the U.S from fully utilizing the resources and opportunities available.

c) Native American Relations: Lewis and Clark established contacts and diplomatic relations with many Native American tribes along their journey. This laid the groundwork for future interactions between indigenous populations and the U.S government. Without this expedition, the early contact and exchange of information may have been delayed or missed entirely, potentially impacting U.S policies towards Native Americans.

d) Scientific Discovery: The expedition contributed significantly to the understanding of the American West's natural history, flora, fauna, and geography. The absence of this information could have slowed down scientific progress and hindered the broader understanding of the continent's resources and environment.

2. How did Lewis and Clark’s expedition affect the government and society of the U.S?

To answer this question, consider some of these key aspects:

a) Government: The expedition paved the way for the U.S government to establish administration and control over newly acquired territories. It provided valuable information about the land, resources, and potential settlement, leading to future territorial acquisitions and the development of policies for governing the West.

b) Society: The expedition's discoveries and narratives sparked public interest in the West, fueling a sense of manifest destiny and encouraging westward expansion. The reports and maps generated by Lewis and Clark were widely circulated and influenced public perceptions of the region, shaping the collective imagination of American society.

c) Scientific and Intellectual Advancement: The expedition's scientific documentation advanced knowledge in fields such as geography, botany, zoology, and ethnography. This scientific progress eventually contributed to a broader understanding of the United States' natural environment and its place in the world.

d) Cultural Awareness: The encounters and interactions with Native American tribes during the expedition increased cultural awareness among the American population. These interactions provided invaluable insights into the rich diversity of indigenous cultures and fostered a better understanding of the Native American way of life.

Remember, these are just some key points to consider. You can expand upon these ideas and explore additional aspects to provide a comprehensive answer. Good luck!