1. Leadership and Command: Lewis was the leader of the Corps of Discovery, also known as the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He was responsible for making important decisions, planning the journey, resolving conflicts, and overseeing the overall well-being of the expedition team.
2. Exploration and Scientific Observations: Lewis was an avid naturalist and conducted detailed scientific observations during the journey. He collected specimens of plants, animals, and minerals and made extensive notes on the geography, climate, and natural resources of the regions they explored.
3. Journal Writing: Lewis kept a detailed journal throughout the expedition, chronicling daily events, encounters with Native American tribes, descriptions of the landscape, and his personal thoughts and experiences. His journal provided valuable insights into the expedition's progress and the challenges they faced.
4. Diplomacy and Native Relations: Lewis played a key role in establishing peaceful relationships with the Native American tribes along the way. He employed diplomacy, negotiation, and gift-giving to gain the trust and cooperation of the various indigenous communities they encountered.
5. Cartography: Lewis, along with Clark, contributed to the creation of accurate maps of the explored territories. He recorded geographic features, landmarks, and waterways, helping to create a detailed understanding of the Western United States.
6. Survival Skills and Leadership: Lewis demonstrated leadership in challenging situations, such as the famous encounter with the grizzly bear. His ability to navigate the wilderness, find food sources, and make strategic decisions ensured the survival and success of the expedition.
Overall, Lewis' contributions to the westward expedition included leadership, scientific observations, journal writing, diplomatic skills, cartography, and survival skills. He played a vital role in the success of the expedition and made significant contributions to the scientific knowledge and understanding of the American West.