Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition's primary goal was to establish permanent American settlements in the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase territory.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary purpose of the expedition was to explore the territory, find a practical travel route, and establish an American presence, not specifically to establish permanent settlements.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, lasted for exactly two years from its departure to its return.
Answer: False
Explanation: The expedition lasted 862 days, which is approximately two years and four months, not exactly two years.
President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition specifically to find a continuous water route from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean for commercial purposes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jefferson's specific goal was to find 'the most direct and practicable water communication across this continent, for the purposes of commerce,' connecting the Missouri River to Pacific Ocean waters.
The expedition's supplies purchased in Philadelphia included a significant amount of portable soup and pigtail tobacco, but no medical provisions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The supplies purchased in Philadelphia included portable soup, pigtail tobacco, and a wide assortment of medical and surgical supplies.
President Jefferson secured funding for the expedition through a public appeal to American citizens, bypassing Congress due to political opposition.
Answer: False
Explanation: President Jefferson secured funding by sending a secret message to Congress, which then appropriated $2,324 for the expedition, rather than through a public appeal.
The Girandoni air rifle carried by the expedition was a single-shot weapon primarily used for hunting small game.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Girandoni air rifle was a repeating rifle with a 20-round magazine, powerful enough to kill a deer, and was intended to display military capabilities, not just for small game hunting.
What was one of the secondary objectives of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?
Answer: To document the West's biodiversity and establish positive trade relations with Native American tribes.
Explanation: Secondary objectives included documenting biodiversity, topography, and geography, and establishing positive trade relations with Native American tribes.
From where did the main body of the Lewis and Clark Expedition depart on May 14, 1804?
Answer: Camp Dubois (Camp Wood), Illinois
Explanation: The expedition, under Clark's command, departed from Camp Dubois (Camp Wood), Illinois, on May 14, 1804.
What was one of Thomas Jefferson's key motivations for sending the expedition, besides finding a water route?
Answer: To declare US sovereignty over lands occupied by Native American tribes along the Missouri River.
Explanation: Jefferson placed special importance on declaring U.S. sovereignty over the lands occupied by Native American tribes along the Missouri River.
What was the estimated number of members in the Corps of Discovery upon its departure from St. Charles?
Answer: As many as 45 members
Explanation: It is believed that the Corps of Discovery had as many as 45 members upon its departure from St. Charles.
Which U.S. President commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition?
Answer: Thomas Jefferson
Explanation: U.S. President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition shortly after the Louisiana Purchase.
What was the primary purpose of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?
Answer: To find a practical travel route across the western half of the continent and establish an American presence.
Explanation: The primary purpose was to explore the western half of the continent, find a practical travel route, and establish an American presence.
How long did the Lewis and Clark Expedition last?
Answer: 862 days
Explanation: The Lewis and Clark Expedition lasted a total of 862 days, from May 14, 1804, to September 23, 1806.
The 'Indian Peace Medals' distributed by the expedition were primarily intended to serve as currency for trade with Native American tribes.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Indian Peace Medals' were intended to ease tensions, establish positive trade relations, and declare U.S. sovereignty, not primarily as currency.
Upon reaching the Great Plains, the expedition observed a scarcity of wildlife, indicating a challenging environment for sustenance.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon reaching the Great Plains, the expedition observed an abundance of wildlife, including elk, deer, bison, pronghorn, and beavers, which were vital for their sustenance.
The Lakota nation welcomed the expedition and offered immediate assistance for passage through their territory.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Lakota nation initially confronted the expedition, blocking trade and demanding tribute for passage, leading to a tense standoff.
Fort Mandan served as the expedition's winter quarters where they met Sacagawea and established peace with the Mandan chiefs.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fort Mandan was indeed the winter quarters where the expedition met Sacagawea and established peace with the Mandan chiefs.
President Jefferson directed the expedition to inform Native American tribes that their lands now belonged to the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jefferson directed the expedition to make native people understand that their lands now belonged to the United States and that 'their great father' in Washington was their new sovereign.
Why was the assistance of Native American nations crucial for the expedition's survival?
Answer: Without their help, the group would have risked starvation and becoming lost in the Rocky Mountains.
Explanation: The assistance of Native American nations was crucial because, without their help, the group would have risked starvation during harsh winters and becoming lost in the Rocky Mountains.
How was the initial conflict with the Lakota nation resolved?
Answer: By Lewis ordering a display of force and Clark brandishing his sword, followed by gifts and whiskey.
Explanation: The conflict was resolved by Lewis ordering a display of force and Clark brandishing his sword, followed by the intervention of the Lakota chief, gifts, and whiskey.
Who was the French-Canadian fur trapper the expedition met at Fort Mandan, whose wife became a key translator?
Answer: Toussaint Charbonneau
Explanation: At Fort Mandan, the expedition met Toussaint Charbonneau, a French-Canadian fur trapper, whose wife Sacagawea became a key interpreter.
What observation did the expedition make about marriage customs in some Native American tribes like the Minnetaree and Mandan?
Answer: It was customary for men to take on two or more wives, often including a sister.
Explanation: The expedition observed that in tribes like the Minnetaree and Mandan, it was customary for men to take two or more wives, often including a sister.
William Robert Broughton's 1792 notes and maps were crucial for Lewis and Clark to navigate the lower Columbia River and confirm their proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lewis and Clark used Broughton's 1792 notes and maps to orient themselves on the lower Columbia River, confirming their proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
Upon reaching the Pacific Ocean, the expedition immediately found abundant food sources and established friendly relations with all local tribes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon reaching the Pacific, the expedition faced a bitter winter with a major lack of food and struggled to purchase enough from neighboring tribes.
Fort Clatsop served as a temporary shelter and a strategic point to assert American claims to the Pacific Northwest.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fort Clatsop's dual purpose was to provide shelter and protection during the winter and to officially establish an American presence in the area.
Which significant geographical feature did the expedition cross near the Lemhi Pass on its way to the Pacific Ocean?
Answer: The Continental Divide of the Americas
Explanation: The expedition crossed the Continental Divide of the Americas near the Lemhi Pass on its journey to the Pacific Ocean.
When did the expedition first sight the Pacific Ocean?
Answer: November 7, 1805
Explanation: The expedition first sighted the Pacific Ocean on November 7, 1805.
Which maritime fur trader was known to be in the area near Fort Clatsop in early 1805 and again in November 1805?
Answer: Captain Samuel Hill
Explanation: Captain Samuel Hill, a maritime fur trader, was known to be in the area near Fort Clatsop in early and late 1805.
Clark sent a letter to President Jefferson from Fort Clatsop, informing him of the expedition's progress before their return to St. Louis.
Answer: True
Explanation: Clark gave a letter to the Chinook people to deliver to a ship captain, which was then forwarded to Thomas Jefferson, informing him of the expedition's progress.
During the return trip, Lewis's dog, Seaman, was permanently lost after being stolen by Native Americans.
Answer: False
Explanation: Seaman was stolen by Native Americans during the return trip but was retrieved shortly after.
Lewis's group had a peaceful encounter with the Blackfeet nation during the return journey, establishing trade relations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lewis's group had a violent encounter with the Blackfeet nation, resulting in the deaths of two Blackfeet men after they attempted to steal weapons.
Meriwether Lewis was accidentally shot and injured by a member of his own party during the return trip.
Answer: True
Explanation: Meriwether Lewis was accidentally shot in the thigh by one of Clark's hunters, Pierre Cruzatte, who mistook him for an elk.
Spanish expeditions successfully intercepted and imprisoned Lewis and Clark in New Mexico, delaying their return.
Answer: False
Explanation: Spanish attempts to intercept Lewis and Clark were unsuccessful, as the expedition had already passed through the targeted area.
How was Meriwether Lewis accidentally injured during the return trip?
Answer: He was mistaken for an elk and shot by one of Clark's hunters.
Explanation: Meriwether Lewis was accidentally shot in the thigh by Pierre Cruzatte, one of Clark's hunters, who mistook him for an elk.
Captain Lewis sent a detailed report about the expedition's scientific discoveries back to President Jefferson from Fort Mandan.
Answer: False
Explanation: Captain Lewis sent a progress report titled 'A Statistical view of the Indian nations inhabiting the Territory of Louisiana,' which outlined tribes, locations, and trade, but did not primarily focus on scientific discoveries.
During the winter at Fort Clatsop, Lewis focused primarily on improving diplomatic relations with local Native American tribes.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the winter at Fort Clatsop, Lewis primarily focused on writing extensively in his journals, particularly about botany.
The expedition's most significant geographical accomplishment was the discovery of a continuous, navigable water route across the continent.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the expedition found a viable transcontinental route, it did not discover a continuous, navigable water route across the continent, as the Rocky Mountains necessitated portage.
The American Philosophical Society sponsored the scientific aspects of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, providing instruction in various disciplines.
Answer: True
Explanation: The American Philosophical Society sponsored the expedition, providing Lewis and Clark with instruction in various scientific disciplines to aid their documentation.
What was Lewis's primary focus during the winter spent at Fort Clatsop?
Answer: Writing extensively in his journals, particularly about botany.
Explanation: During the winter at Fort Clatsop, Lewis primarily focused on writing in his journals, especially on botany, due to the abundant plant life.
What was a major geographical accomplishment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?
Answer: The first accurate maps of the Northwest, including about 140 maps drawn by Lewis and Clark.
Explanation: A major geographical accomplishment was the production of the first accurate maps of the Northwest, with Lewis and Clark drawing approximately 140 maps.
What scientific contribution did the expedition make regarding flora and fauna?
Answer: They documented over 200 new plant and animal species previously unknown to European Americans.
Explanation: The expedition documented over 200 new plant and animal species previously unknown to European Americans, significantly expanding scientific knowledge.
Meriwether Lewis was chosen to lead the expedition due to his extensive experience in diplomacy and formal education in cartography.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jefferson selected Lewis for his 'complete science in botany, natural history, mineralogy & astronomy,' along with his character, prudence, and familiarity with the woods and Native American manners, not primarily for diplomacy or formal cartography education, though he received training in navigation.
Lewis's dog, Seaman, was a valuable member of the expedition, assisting with hunting and providing protection, and was the only animal to complete the entire journey.
Answer: True
Explanation: Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, proved valuable for hunting and protection and was indeed the only animal to complete the entire expedition.
Sergeant Charles Floyd was the only member of the Corps of Discovery to die during the expedition, likely from acute appendicitis.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sergeant Charles Floyd was indeed the only member of the Corps of Discovery to die during the expedition, with acute appendicitis as the apparent cause.
Sacagawea's primary role in the expedition was as a skilled hunter and trapper, providing much-needed sustenance.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sacagawea's primary role was as an interpreter and in diplomatic relations, easing tensions and conveying a peaceful mission, not as a hunter or trapper.
York, William Clark's enslaved servant, was granted immediate freedom upon the expedition's successful return to St. Louis.
Answer: False
Explanation: York was not granted immediate freedom upon the expedition's return and remained enslaved for at least ten years, working as a wagoner for the Clark family.
What was the apparent cause of Sergeant Charles Floyd's death during the expedition?
Answer: Acute appendicitis
Explanation: Sergeant Charles Floyd died during the expedition, apparently from acute appendicitis.
What notable event occurred early in Sacagawea's time with the expedition, just weeks after her first contact?
Answer: She gave birth to her son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau.
Explanation: Weeks after her first contact, Sacagawea gave birth to her son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, on February 11, 1805.
What was the ultimate fate of York, William Clark's enslaved servant, immediately after the expedition's return?
Answer: He remained enslaved for at least ten years, working as a wagoner for the Clark family.
Explanation: York remained enslaved for at least ten years after the expedition, working as a wagoner for the Clark family, and was not immediately granted freedom.
The expedition's route was significantly influenced by Moncacht-Apé's purported journey, which accurately depicted the ease of crossing the Rocky Mountains.
Answer: False
Explanation: Moncacht-Apé's account mistakenly omitted the need to cross the Rocky Mountains, potentially leading Lewis and Clark to a mistaken belief about an easy portage.
A Russian expedition successfully established an agricultural colony at the mouth of the Columbia River while Lewis and Clark were in the area.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Russian expedition under Nikolai Rezanov attempted to establish a colony but failed to cross the Columbia Bar, leading him to go to California instead.
Which explorer's accounts, detailing Britain's intent to control the fur trade of the Columbia River, influenced Jefferson's decision to send the expedition?
Answer: Alexander Mackenzie
Explanation: Alexander Mackenzie's 'Voyages from Montreal' informed Jefferson of Britain's intent to control the fur trade of the Columbia River, influencing his decision.
What was the outcome of the Russian maritime expedition under Nikolai Rezanov near the Columbia River?
Answer: Their ship was unable to cross the Columbia Bar, leading Rezanov to go to California instead.
Explanation: Nikolai Rezanov's ship was unable to cross the Columbia Bar, preventing the establishment of a Russian agricultural colony and leading him to California.
What was the primary reason the Lewis and Clark Expedition was largely forgotten during the 19th century?
Answer: References to Lewis and Clark 'scarcely appeared' in history books, and its story remained relatively shallow.
Explanation: The expedition was largely forgotten in the 19th century because references to Lewis and Clark 'scarcely appeared' in history books, and its story remained shallow.
Which explorer traveled down the Mississippi River from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico in 1682?
Answer: René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle
Explanation: René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, explored the Mississippi River from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico in 1682.
What was Robert Gray's significant contribution to the exploration of the Pacific Northwest?
Answer: He discovered the Columbia River and claimed it for the United States.
Explanation: Robert Gray discovered the Columbia River in 1792, named it after his ship, and claimed it for the United States.
What was Alexander Mackenzie's significant achievement prior to Lewis and Clark?
Answer: He was the first non-indigenous person to cross mainland North America, north of Mexico, to the Pacific Ocean.
Explanation: Alexander Mackenzie was the first non-indigenous person to cross mainland North America, north of Mexico, to the Pacific Ocean, achieving this twelve years before Lewis and Clark.