This paper explains that Lewis and Clark managed to adhere to their objectives for the
expedition handed out by Jefferson,
including proclaiming American
sovereignty in the West, advancing American trade, and promoting peace between Indian tribes, while attempting to establish a peaceful and profitable relationship with the Native American tribes. The author points out that, during their expedition, Lewis and Clark encountered nearly 50 Native American tribes, each with distinct and often characteristic responses to the white presence; some tribes provided the expedition with a great deal of
assistance, others hindering the expedition. The paper relates that the expedition's plans to bring peace between the Indian tribes meant that the Americans would provide guns to the Nez Perces and the Shoshones; the Blackfoot opposed this plan, fearing that it would hurt their power in the region; therefore. the Blackfoot warriors tried to steal the expedition's guns.