Thomas Jefferson and the Lewis and Clark Expedition

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the impact of Thomas Jefferson's character on the famous Lewis and Clark expedition. The paper explains how Jefferson's character influenced the objectives of the expedition itself as well as the personality of Meriwether Lewis thereby affecting the expedition-related tasks completed by both Lewis and William Clark.

From the Paper:

"Thomas Jefferson is perhaps one of America's most admired early statesmen. He is often seen as a man of complex and exemplary character, who through his many efforts played a crucial role in the formation of the new American nation. Jefferson's character was indeed noteworthy, as he was both a known admirer of the natural world, a profound proponent of democracy, and a noted scholar with wide interests. As a child, Jefferson was schooled in a variety of subjects, including Latin and Greek, and he retained an appreciation for learning through his life. In speaking of his ability to read Greek and Latin authors in their original, he noted "I thank on my knees him who directed my early education for having put into my possession this rich source of delight" (Peterson, 7). He was both a diligent student, and developed a love of nature (Peterson)."

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