Americans Push into Spanish Florida
Americans Push into Spanish Florida is a Grade 5 history skill from California myWorld Interactive, Chapter 7: Life in the Young Republic. Students learn how Andrew Jackson invaded Spanish Florida in 1818 to stop Seminole raids, and how this military pressure led Spain to cede Florida to the United States through the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819, expanding U.S. territory and increasing pressure on Native American lands.
Key Concepts
In the years after the War of 1812, American settlers continued to push into new territories, particularly in the South. The Spanish controlled territory of Florida became a major point of conflict. It served as a refuge for escaped slaves and several Native American groups, which created tension with American landowners in neighboring Georgia.
In 1818, General Andrew Jackson led U.S. troops on an invasion of Florida, claiming he was acting to stop raids by the Seminole people into American territory. Jackson's unauthorized invasion demonstrated that Spain had a weak hold on the region. This military pressure led Spain to cede Florida to the United States in the Adams Onís Treaty of 1819, furthering U.S. expansion and increasing pressure on Native American lands in the Southeast.
Common Questions
Why did Andrew Jackson invade Spanish Florida?
Jackson claimed he was acting to stop raids by the Seminole people into American territory. His 1818 invasion demonstrated that Spain had a weak hold on Florida.
What was the Adams-Onis Treaty?
The Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819 was an agreement in which Spain ceded Florida to the United States. It resulted from American military pressure after Jackson's unauthorized invasion of Florida.
Who were the Seminole people?
The Seminole were a Native American group living in Florida. Along with escaped slaves, they were a source of conflict with American landowners in neighboring Georgia, which contributed to tensions leading to Jackson's invasion.
What textbook covers Americans pushing into Florida for Grade 5?
This topic is covered in California myWorld Interactive, Grade 5, Chapter 7: Life in the Young Republic.