Few men were equals in James Monroe's sensibility, fortitude, and reverence to the prosperity of the United States. His administration distinguishes itself as one of the few that was successful in nearly every aspect. But perhaps Monroe's most valuable attribution to the progression of the American nation was his dominance in regulating foreign affairs: a dominance that has transcended the turbulent times of American history and still remains a firm cornerstone of modern foreign policy.
             Monroe adamantly believed in not only expanding the U.S. territories, but also in extending the reaches of American foreign relations. Ultimately, Monroe was prosperous in staying true to these beliefs. Ably supported by Adams, he made substantial territorial additions and gave American policy a distinctly national orientation. Monroe welcomed an opportunity to press Spain to cede Florida and define the boundaries of Louisiana. The opportunity arose in the midst of the First Seminole War. Although the atrocities by American troops towards several British citizens residing in Florida temporarily strained relations with Great Britain, Monroe's potent military action assured Spain that the U.S. was apt and powerful enough to seize Spanish Florida at any moment. Upon this realization and careful maneuvering by Monroe, Spain ceded Florida to the United States and defined, favorably to American claims, the boundary of the Louisiana Purchase in the Adams-Onís Treaty negotiated in 1819.
             The Adams-Onís Treaty was one of the critical events that defined the boundaries of the U.S. territory. The agreement also served as one of the defining moments of James Monroe's administration. The challenge that faced Monroe was satiating the zealous American will to expand while keeping healthy Spanish relations in tact. But his fastidious conduct of both foreign and domestic policy proved this delicate situation to be of minor concern. With the as...