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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Jefferson's protege, Lewis had the honor of

2. Lewis thought that buffalo hair might produce

3. Andre Michaux was selected to lead an expedition west until Jefferson discovered that

4. Winter at Fort Mandan was

5. The men who served on Lewis & Clark's crew were punished for their violations by

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Jefferson so interested in exploring the West?

2. What was ironic about the government's response to the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794?

3. What caused the expedition's "portage" period to be longer than expected?

4. Given that he was an educated man, how can we account for Lewis' lack of spelling ability?

5. Explain Lewis' realization when he was threatened by buffalo bulls, a bear and wolverines.

6. Why were the Captains' gifts considered insufficient by the Teton Sioux Indians?

7. What may have convinced Lewis and Clark that they needed to double their crew?

8. Why did Jefferson appoint Lewis as his personal secretary?

9. What in Lewis' childhood may have contributed to his later accomplishments?

10. Discuss Lewis' mental meanderings on his 32nd birthday.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a research essay about the history of syphilis in the US:

1) What are the symptoms and effects of the disease, and the prognosis in the 1800s?

2) Was there the same level of epidemic of syphilis in Europe?

3) How was it treated in Europe?

4) What was finally discovered that got syphilis under control?

5) What famous people died during that century from syphilis?

Essay Topic 2

Write a critical essay about Thomas Jefferson and his wild ideas of a water route to the Pacific.

1) What were Jefferson's motives? Were they mercenary? Why did he want to be the one to find the passage?

2) Do you feel Jefferson sacrificed Lewis, knowing that the odds were against his returning safely?

3) Did Jefferson desert Lewis in his time of need? Did he fight for him after he left office when his vouchers were in question?

4) Why did Jefferson lay the burden of publishing the data on Lewis personally, and later on Clark?

Essay Topic 3

Meriwether Lewis' father died when he was young and his mother remarried, changing her name to Marks.

1) Is there a genealogy of Lewis' family? Is there an organized group of "family" genealogists related to him?

2) Lewis is said to have come from royal ancestry in Europe. Research this and determine whether it is factual, and provide additional information.

3) Try to locate some information on Meriwether Lewis' father. Did he suffer from mental illness? Write an essay on his life.

(see the answer keys)

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