Americans of Lewis and Clark’s background saw Indians as children lost in a wilderness. They thought Indians were savages who could become “normal” if they were taught the white man’s religion and way of life.
The two leaders believed they could handle any situation with the Indians.
The Indians had their own ways of life. Peoples of the plains, of the mountains, and of the Pacific Coast all had their own languages, religions, traditions, and lifestyles that helped them thrive in their particular environment.
Despite their prejudices, Lewis and Clark did remarkably well in their encounters with the peoples of the West. There were a few close calls, but only once—just weeks from the end of their journey—did a conflict take a life.