1. List three motives, or reasons, for why the Lewis and Clark expedition explored the West.

1. **Scientific Discovery:** Lewis and Clark were tasked with documenting and collecting information about the flora, fauna, and geography of the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase, contributing to scientific knowledge.2. **Commercial Opportunities:** The expedition aimed to identify potential trade routes and establish diplomatic relations with Native American tribes, fostering economic opportunities and expanding the fur trade.3. **Strategic Exploration:** The U.S. government sought to assert its presence in the West, ensuring control over the region and strengthening its claims to the territory against competing European powers.