ding point. The Western boundary
ended at the Perdido River today's current boundary of the
State. After 1814 Spanish interest in Florida declined
rapidly. The entire peninsula became a haven for runaway
slaves, pirates and sailors. With these conditions existing
on the border of the United States , it recognized a
pressing need for annexation of Florida (Martin, 3). Spain
had promised in a treaty signed with the U.S. in 1795 that
they would restrain any Indian uprising in Florida, so that
America's frontier might be kept peaceful. However, Spain
was not strong enough at this time to fulfill her promise
to the United States. General Andrew Jackson led and
Expeditionary force across the border into Florida in 1818
and Suppressed the Indian disturbances from St. Marks to
Spain was not anxious to fight the United States;
neither did the Unites States care for war with Spain, but
there was a general desire on the part of the people to
obtain Florida. "President Monroe made haste to appease
Spain, whose feelings had been ruffled by Jackson's ruthless
invasion" (Marvin,2). Military posts that were conquered
during the expedition lead by Jackson were returned to
Spain, thereby saving further embarrassment with that
The Jackson episode had a great impact on preparing the
way for acquisition of Florida by the United S
...