What was the purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

The Lewis and Clark expedition, officially known as the Corps of Discovery, was primarily aimed at exploring and mapping the vast territory acquired through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to investigate this territory to gain a better understanding of the geography, resources, and inhabitants of the land. This exploration was crucial for the United States, as it laid the groundwork for future expansion and settlement in the western part of the continent.

While the expedition did involve elements of establishing trade with Native American tribes and searching for a water route to the Pacific, these were secondary objectives. The primary focus was on the scientific and geographical exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, which was critical for the nation's growth and development in the early 19th century.