In 1803 President Thomas Jefferson selected his personal secretary, Captain Meriwether Lewis, to lead a pioneering voyage across the Great Plains and into the Rockies. It was completely uncharted territory; a wild, vast land ruled by the Indians. This was much more than a bunch of guys out on an exploring and collecting expedition. This was a military expedition into hostile territory.
“That evening, the first Americans ever to enter Montana, the first ever to see the Yellowstone, the Milk, the Marias, and the Great Falls, the first Americans ever to kill a grizzly, celebrated their nation’s twenty-ninth birthday.”
The Perils of Hagiography: A Look at Stephen Ambrose’s Undaunted Courage
Stephen Ambrose’s Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West remains a popular and widely-read account of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Its accessibility, thrilling narrative, and patriotic tone have cemented its place on many bookshelves. However, despite its popularity, the book is not without its flaws, suffering from a tendency towards hagiography, historical simplification, and a selective approach to certain aspects of the expedition.
One of the most prominent critiques of Undaunted Courage revolves around Ambrose’s tendency to portray Lewis and Clark as larger-than-life heroes, bordering on demigods. While acknowledging their intelligence, resilience, and leadership, Ambrose often glosses over their flaws and imperfections. Lewis, for example, is presented as an almost flawless individual, despite his struggles with depression and eventual suicide. The complexity of his character is flattened, resulting in a romanticized and somewhat unrealistic depiction. Similarly, Clark’s meticulous record-keeping and leadership skills are amplified while his participation in the institution of slavery, a morally reprehensible aspect of his life, receives significantly less attention.
This hero worship leads to a simplification of the historical context. The book largely presents the expedition as a noble endeavor, emphasizing the exploration and scientific discovery aspects. While these were certainly important facets of the journey, Ambrose often downplays the inherent imperialism embedded within the expedition’s mission. The claim of sovereignty over Indigenous lands, the manipulation and potential subjugation of Native American tribes, and the overall encroachment on established cultures are issues that deserve a more nuanced and critical examination. By focusing primarily on the “triumph” of the expedition, Undaunted Courage can inadvertently reinforce the narrative of westward expansion as an unqualified good, ignoring the devastating consequences for Native American populations.
Furthermore, the book’s narrative choices contribute to a somewhat unbalanced portrayal of the expedition. While Ambrose excels at creating a gripping, page-turning account of the journey, he selectively highlights certain events and downplays others. For instance, the intricacies of the expedition’s interactions with various Native American tribes are often condensed into brief encounters, sometimes overlooking the complexities of intertribal relations and the specific motivations of each group. A more in-depth analysis of these interactions, incorporating diverse perspectives from Native American sources, would offer a richer and more accurate understanding of the expedition’s impact.
Finally, some critics have pointed to inaccuracies and embellishments in Ambrose’s writing. While these may be minor in the grand scheme of the narrative, they contribute to the overall sense of romanticism that pervades the book. Minor exaggerations or the unsubstantiated assertion of certainty where evidence is lacking ultimately undermine the book’s credibility as a reliable historical source.
In conclusion, Undaunted Courage, while undoubtedly a compelling and engaging read, should be approached with a critical eye. Its strengths lie in its accessibility and ability to capture the imagination, drawing readers into the epic adventure of Lewis and Clark. However, its tendency towards hagiography, its simplification of historical context, and selective narrative choices ultimately limit its value as a truly comprehensive and objective historical account. Readers seeking a deeper understanding of the Lewis and Clark expedition should supplement Undaunted Courage with other sources that offer a more balanced and nuanced perspective, particularly those incorporating Native American voices and perspectives. By doing so, they can gain a more complete and accurate understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.