4.1 Negotiations and treaties leading to U.S. acquisition

The U.S. wanted Florida for many reasons. Manifest Destiny pushed for expansion, while border disputes and runaway slaves caused tensions. Florida's ports and farmland were economically attractive, and its strategic location was important for national security.

The Adams-Onis Treaty in 1819 made it happen. Spain gave up Florida, and the U.S. paid $5 million in claims. Andrew Jackson's military actions in Florida sped up the process, leading to the official transfer in 1821.

U.S. Acquisition of Florida

Motivations for acquiring Florida

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• Territorial expansion goals drove Manifest Destiny ideology promoted westward growth and highlighted Florida's strategic coastal location
• Border disputes intensified as runaway slaves sought refuge in Florida and Seminole raids on U.S. settlements increased tensions
• Economic interests focused on gaining access to Gulf of Mexico ports (Pensacola) and tapping into Florida's agricultural potential (citrus crops)
• National security concerns arose from potential foreign powers using Florida as a base threatening U.S. sovereignty
• Weakening Spanish control evidenced by Spain's declining empire and lack of effective governance in Florida created opportunity

Key provisions of Adams-Onis Treaty

• Signed February 22, 1819 between John Quincy Adams and Luis de Onís
• Spain ceded East and West Florida to United States approximately 72,000 square miles
• U.S. renounced claims to Texas establishing western boundary of Louisiana Purchase
• U.S. agreed to pay up to $5 million in claims by U.S. citizens against Spain
• Improved U.S.-Spain relations while reducing European influence in North America
• Solidified U.S. control over Southeast expanding territorial footprint

Andrew Jackson's role in acquisition

• Led First Seminole War (1817-1818) invading Spanish Florida
• Captured Spanish forts in Pensacola and St. Marks demonstrating U.S. military might
• Executed British subjects Alexander Arbuthnot and Robert Ambrister sparking international controversy
• Actions strained diplomatic relations with Spain and Britain but pressured Spain to negotiate
• Exposed Spain's weak control over Florida accelerating transfer process
• Appointed Florida's first territorial governor in 1821 overseeing transition

Transfer process from Spain to U.S.

• Ratification completed by U.S. Senate (February 24, 1819) and Spanish government (October 24, 1820)
• Formal transfer ceremony held July 17, 1821 in Plaza de la Constitución, St. Augustine
• East Florida transferred from Spanish Governor José María Coppinger to U.S. representative Robert Butler
• West Florida handed over by Spanish Colonel José María Callava to Andrew Jackson
• U.S. territorial government established with Jackson as first governor
• American settlers flowed in while some Spanish residents departed
• Cultural transitions included introducing American legal and political systems
• English gradually replaced Spanish as dominant language reshaping Florida's identity