Florida Acquisitions (1810-1819)

Activity Overview

Less than twenty years after the Louisiana Purchase, the United States was able to acquire Florida from Spain. More territory meant more land for settling and economic ventures, as well as greater access to natural resources and trade. With their increasing land holdings, the U.S. began to assert itself as a power in North America.

Using a traditional storyboard, students will outline and define how the United States acquired various parts of Florida from the Spanish. They will focus on major events, legislation, and conflict with both Spain and the native population. Each box should refer to either a major figure, event, acquisition, treaty, etc. Teachers can pre-select the information they'd like students to research about the acquisitions, or students can choose what they'd like to include in their storyboard.

Students should examine at least 6 the following:

• Major Figures
• Treaties
• Nations Involved
• Conflicts
• American Gains
• Significance
• Major Events
• Legislation

Extended Activity

Have students research the history of Florida before America’s acquisition of it and beyond. Focus on conflict and fighting with the Native American population, in particular the Seminoles. Students should research and use a traditional storyboard to organize the major events, figures, and legislation regarding Florida and its territorial, cultural, and social history. Reference “Jackson and the Indian Policy” in the Jacksonian Democracy lesson plans.