US Territorial Expansion - Florida Acquisitions
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U.S. Territorial Expansion (1783-1959)
Lesson Plans by Richard Cleggett
After the United States gained their independence, they set their sights on the territory to the west, and the expansion carried on into the 20th century. War, economics, culture, and innovation are prevalent and recurring themes surrounding territorial expansion. Engage students with premade activities and storyboards with Storyboard That.
Storyboard Description
US Territorial Expansion - Using a traditional storyboard, students will be able to define and explain the major elements of how the United States acquired Florida. By identifying the major figures, events, conflicts, and nations involved, students can outline the controversy of the Florida acquisitions. As conflicts arose between a weakened Spain and the United States, Florida soon became an integral part of U.S. territorial expansions. In addition, Florida was also an early test in foreign relations for the young United States, as well as a moral and ethical test in terms of their relations with the native populations. The traditional board also helps paint an analyses of the history of the territory and early American historical figures.
Storyboard Text
- MAJOR FIGURES
- TREATIES
- U.S. gets Florida Spain gets Texas
- NATIONS INVOLVED
- Many figures were involved in the acquisition of both East and West Florida. President James Monroe led the charge, along with Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. General Andrew Jackson headed the military invasion and policing of the territory. For Spain, Don Louis de Onis met with American leaders in Washington to discuss the Florida territory.
- CONFLICTS
- To acquire Florida, the United States and Spain agreed to terms in the Adams-Onis Treaty, signed in 1819. It was ratified in 1821 as the Transcontinental Treaty. For the U.S., the treaty gave them control over both East and West Florida. Spain lost all control of the Florida territories, but did receive $5 million in damages, as well as sovereignty over Texas.
- AMERICAN GAINS
- The ceding of Florida took place between the United States and Spain. Spain was reluctant to give up control of Florida, as they were severely weakened by war with France and Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
- SIGNIFICANCE
- Florida is now an American possession!
- Several conflicts existed around the acquisition of Florida. American settlers rebelled against Spanish government in Western Florida, declaring independence and allegiance to the U.S. General Andrew Jackson made controversial raids and attacks against the Seminoles and escaped slaves, blaming Spain for not controlling the native populations.
- America gained both East and West Florida from Spain through the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819. By gaining Florida, the U.S. controlled the entirety of the Atlantic coast and connected their territories between Louisiana and Florida throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
- The Florida acquisitions signified America's ability to resolve foreign issues as well as take a strong stance to achieve their territorial aims. The acquisition would also set the stage for strained relations with the native population for years to come, in particular during the presidency of Andrew Jackson.
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