Lewis and Clark succeeded in establishing relationships with the Native Americans which was important because it allowed Americans to move west and have mostly peaceful relationships with the Native Americans.
Native Americans tribe wearing their traditional clothing
- Jefferson wanted to know about the Native Americans' culture, traditions, and their relationships with other tribes (Jefferson).
- They traded with Native Americans for things such as guns and furs.
- They also learned things from them such as farming methods and the geography of the land.
- When Lewis and Clark arrived at a Native American territory, they put their weapons down as a sign of respect. They then offered gifts to them and had Sacagawea translate what they were saying (Burns).
Lewis and Clark greeting a Native American tribe
- Native American tribes such as the Mandans and Shoshoni welcomed Lewis and Clark and allowed them to stay with them for a few nights.
- They also gave Lewis and Clark food, horses, and shelter.
- Lewis and Clark would tell the Indians the United States of America owned the land and how they could always trust Americans. They gave them medals that the Native Americans really enjoyed.
- Not all Native Americans were friendly to Lewis and Clark. The Black Foot Indians attacked Lewis and his group when the expedition split up.
- The relationships that Lewis and Clark established with most Native Americans allowed white settlers and Native Americans to be on good terms which allowed Americans to move into the west without the Native Americans attacking them.
- For Americans to be able to move into the west and have good relationships with most Native Americans was an important achievement for Lewis and Clark.