What were president jefferson’s instructions to lewis & clark about how to deal with the native americans?

President Thomas Jefferson provided Lewis and Clark with specific instructions regarding their interactions with Native Americans during their expedition, known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806). Jefferson aimed for peaceful and cooperative relations with indigenous peoples. The instructions included:

1. Peaceful Approach:

  Jefferson emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful relations with Native American tribes. Lewis and Clark were instructed to treat indigenous peoples with respect and seek diplomatic solutions to potential conflicts. The goal was to establish friendly trade relationships and gather information about the tribes they encountered.

2. Trade and Alliances:

  The expedition was tasked with exploring potential trade opportunities with Native American groups. Jefferson believed that fostering economic ties could contribute to peaceful coexistence. Lewis and Clark were encouraged to establish alliances and learn about the customs, languages, and resources of the various tribes they encountered.

3. Cultural Understanding:

  Jefferson wanted Lewis and Clark to document the social, cultural, and economic aspects of Native American communities. This included collecting information on their languages, traditions, and lifestyles. The expedition members were expected to approach their interactions with curiosity and an open mind.

Overall, Jefferson's instructions reflected a diplomatic and exploratory mission, intending to promote understanding and collaboration between the United States and the diverse Native American nations encountered during the expedition.