The Expedition of Lewis & Clark: Discoveries & Challenges:
Lewis and Clark went on an exhausting journey between 1804 and 1806 in search of a water route to the Pacific. Along the way, they opened up a new system through the youngest parts of the United States. As they walked, entries in their journals documented over 300 plant and animal species unknown to scientists in the 1800’s. Some plants included the American Silver berry, Black Cottonwood, and Indian Breadroot. Lewis found species of deer and bird such as the Columbian Black-Tailed deer and a Broad-Tailed Hummingbird.
Although the trip went well in terms of the discovery of new species and Native American tribes, on the way to the west coast, the party endured different hardships in all seasons. In the winter, temperatures went below zero; ice, sleet, and snow were the main burdens in the chill. During the summer, extreme temperatures soared into the hundreds, while spring brought flooding when they slept near a river or stream. Weather really slowed down the weary party, but they still suffered through diseases and injuries. Boils were most common among the men, but some contracted malaria from parasite infested foods; when it was cold, hypothermia and frostbite. The trip was a success, opening up a new world of opportunities, but there had to be a bit of a challenge to make it truly worthwhile.
Compare and Contrast: Families staying in the East and settling in the West:
Europeans were the first to begin colonizing the New World, and as their economy grew, more traveled to the eastern U.S to begin a new life filled with opportunities. Industries grew, and cities had troubles with overpopulation, so many decided they wanted to escape the fast-changing towns and settle somewhere quieter. Others had trouble finding a job to support their growing families. Although many wanted a new life, the main purpose of moving west was to buy land for farming. Anyone who stayed in the East made a good...