Acquisition of Florida from Spain - 1819!
Spain Controls Florida!
-  1804 – Jefferson sends two diplomats to
make an offer to buy Florida - Spain
says ‘No Thanks’.!
-  Issues increase between U.S. & Spain!
-  Slaves from Georgia sometimes
run away to Florida!
-  Seminole Indians frequently
raided white landowners in
Georgia!
-  Spain’s control over Florida weakens –
the Spanish government can do
nothing to stop raids or run-away
slaves!
1818 – General Andrew Jackson Invades Florida!
-  Jackson ignores his orders
NOT to invade Spanish colony!
-  Captures nearly every military
post in the colony!
-  Replaced Spanish governor
with an American!
-  Spain demanded Jackson be
punished for his illegal
invasion.!
“Govern or Get Out”!
•  John Quincy Adams, one
of Monroe’s cabinet
members, convinces
President Monroe to send
blunt message to Spain –
“Govern Florida properly
or get out.”!
•  Spain, fearful of war,
decides to get out.!
•  1819 – The Spanish agree
the U.S. can have Florida!
•  In return, the U.S. must
pay off $5 million in
settlers’ claims against
Spain & agreed to honor
Spain’s longtime claim to
Texas!