What was the primary purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

The primary purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition was to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, President Thomas Jefferson sought to gain a better understanding of the vast lands that had just become part of the United States. The expedition, which took place from 1804 to 1806, aimed to document the geography, biology, and potential resources of the western territory, including the land's rivers, mountains, and populations of Native American tribes.

The journey provided valuable information about the land, opened pathways for trade and migration, and took detailed notes on the plants, animals, and peoples encountered along the way. The findings from Lewis and Clark's exploration significantly contributed to the westward expansion of the United States and laid the groundwork for further exploration and settlement in that region.