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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that outlines how the United States acquired Florida from the Spanish, examining conflicts, major figures, treaties & more.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the title boxes with the factor you are analyzing (figures, treaties, conflicts, etc.).
- Write a summary for each in the description box.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that outlines how the United States acquired Florida from the Spanish, examining conflicts, major figures, treaties & more.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the title boxes with the factor you are analyzing (figures, treaties, conflicts, etc.).
- Write a summary for each in the description box.
- Create illustrations using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Florida Acquisitions (1810-1819)
Organize a Florida Acquisitions timeline with your students
Create a classroom timeline to help students visualize the sequence of events leading up to and following the acquisition of Florida. This interactive approach makes historical connections clearer and encourages participation.
Assign research roles for collaborative learning
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different topic, such as treaties, major figures, or conflicts. This fosters teamwork and ensures students dig deeper into their assigned area before sharing findings with the class.
Guide students to find primary sources
Encourage students to locate and examine primary sources like letters, treaty excerpts, or newspaper articles from the era. This builds critical thinking and helps students understand the perspectives of people involved in Florida's acquisition.
Facilitate a class discussion on lasting impacts
Lead a discussion about how acquiring Florida affected the U.S., Native Americans, and Spain. Students reflect on the long-term consequences and strengthen their understanding of historical cause and effect.
Use exit tickets to assess understanding
Have each student write a quick summary or answer a guiding question about Florida's acquisition before leaving class. This offers immediate feedback and helps identify areas needing review.
Frequently Asked Questions about Florida Acquisitions (1810-1819)
How did the United States acquire Florida from Spain?
The United States acquired Florida from Spain through a series of negotiations and treaties, most notably the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819. This agreement officially transferred Florida to the U.S. in exchange for settling border disputes and forgiving Spanish debts.
What were the major events leading up to the Florida acquisition?
Key events included ongoing conflicts with Spanish authorities, military incursions led by Andrew Jackson, and diplomatic negotiations culminating in the Adams-Onís Treaty. These actions pressured Spain into ceding Florida to the United States.
Who were the main figures involved in the acquisition of Florida?
Important figures included John Quincy Adams (U.S. Secretary of State), Andrew Jackson (military leader), and Spanish officials like Luis de Onís. Their roles in diplomacy and conflict were crucial to the transfer of Florida.
What was the significance of the Adams-Onís Treaty in U.S. history?
The Adams-Onís Treaty was significant because it peacefully expanded U.S. territory, helped define the nation’s southern border, and improved relations with Spain. It also marked a milestone in America’s westward and southern expansion.
How can students create a storyboard about Florida’s acquisition for class?
Students can create a storyboard by labeling each box with a key factor (figures, treaties, events, etc.), summarizing its importance, and illustrating the scene. This visual tool helps organize information about Florida’s path to becoming part of the U.S.
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