c) Find the Northwest Passage

The main goal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was to find the Northwest Passage, a mythical water route believed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Commissioned by the president after the Louisiana Purchase, this mission was seen as essential for trade and territorial expansion. While the expedition failed to find this non-existent passage, it yielded extensive knowledge about the newly acquired territories, Native American cultures, and natural resources. This journey significantly contributed to the westward expansion and shaped America’s understanding of its western territories.