Acquisition of Florida

Summary

The United States' acquisition of Florida from Spain involved a series of political maneuvers and military action in the early 19th century. In 1817, President James Monroe sent General Andrew Jackson to Florida to stop Seminole raids, leading to Jackson's bold actions that resulted in the deposition of the Spanish governor. In 1819, Spain ceded East Florida to the U.S. through the Adams-Onís Treaty, which also included giving up claims to West Florida. Florida formally joined the U.S. in 1845, becoming the Sunshine State.

Takeaways

• 😀 Florida was initially two provinces: East Florida and West Florida, both under Spanish control.
• 😀 St. Augustine, founded by Spain in 1565, is the oldest city in the United States.
• 😀 There was a long-standing disagreement between the United States and Spain over the boundaries of Florida.
• 😀 East Florida became a refuge for runaway slaves, pirates, and Indians from Georgia.
• 😀 In 1817, President James Monroe sent General Andrew Jackson to Florida to stop raids by the Seol Indians.
• 😀 Jackson was authorized to cross the border into Florida but was told not to attack Spanish forts.
• 😀 Jackson bypassed Monroe’s instructions and suggested he could capture East Florida in 60 days.
• 😀 Monroe did not respond to Jackson’s proposal, leading to Jackson marching into Florida, deposing the Spanish governor, and installing his own officer.
• 😀 Monroe gave Spain two options: improve patrols and stop raids or cede Florida to the United States.
• 😀 Spain chose to cede Florida, and the Adams-Onís Treaty was signed in 1819, officially transferring East Florida to the U.S.
• 😀 Florida joined the United States as a state in 1845, after the treaty was finalized.

Q & A

What was the first permanent settlement established by Spain in what would become the United States?

The first permanent settlement established by Spain was St. Augustine in Florida, founded in 1565.

Why is St. Augustine considered the oldest city in the United States?

St. Augustine is considered the oldest city in the United States because it was the first permanent European settlement, established by Spain in 1565.

How was Florida divided during the time of Spanish rule?

Florida was divided into two provinces: West Florida and East Florida.

What role did East Florida play in the conflicts between the United States and Spain?

East Florida became a refuge for runaway slaves, pirates, and especially the Seminole Indians, who raided and threatened settlements in Georgia, leading to conflicts with the United States.

What prompted President James Monroe to send General Andrew Jackson to Florida in 1817?

President James Monroe sent General Andrew Jackson to Florida in 1817 to stop the Seminole Indian raids that were threatening settlements in Georgia.

What was President Monroe's instruction to General Jackson regarding attacks on Spanish forts?

President Monroe instructed General Jackson not to attack any Spanish forts while crossing the border into Florida.

What action did General Jackson take that went beyond his orders?

General Jackson went beyond his orders by sending a letter to President Monroe offering to take all of East Florida in 60 days, and then he marched into Florida, deposed the Spanish governor, and installed one of his own officers in his place.

What were the two options presented to Spain after Jackson's actions in Florida?

The two options presented to Spain were either to better patrol Florida and prevent raids or to give Florida to the United States.

What treaty resulted in the United States acquiring Florida from Spain?

The Treaty of 1819, signed in Washington, resulted in Spain ceding East Florida to the United States and giving up all claims to West Florida.

When did Florida officially become a part of the United States?

Florida officially became a part of the United States when it joined the Union in 1845.