Three years before the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory from France, Spain had given the territory to France through the Treaty of San Ildefonso. The wording of this treaty implied that West Florida was part of the Louisiana Territory. Shortly after the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory in 1803, Spain asserted its ownership over West Florida, much to the dismay of the United States. Adding to the confusion, France in 1804 claimed that West Florida was not part of the Louisiana Purchase.
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| An 1806 map of the United States |
Ignoring the controversy, a handful of Americans decided to settle in West Florida. They did not want to be ruled by Spain, however, and began holding regular meetings to discuss their options. Eventually the settlers decided to rebel against Spain. On September 23, 1810, eighty men attacked a Spanish fort at Baton Rouge. After a short battle, the rebels took control of the fort. Two days later they announced the creation of the "Republic of West Florida"—then wrote a constitution and elected a governor.
President Madison found himself in a difficult spot. He did not support the rebels or their actions in establishing a republic independent of Spain. He also considered West Florida to be part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase. In an effort to clarify the position of the United States to both Spain and the rebels, Madison issued a proclamation on October 27, 1810 that read, in part: "Now be it known that I, James Madison, President of the United States of America,…, have deemed it right and requisite that possession should be taken of the said territory in the name and behalf of the United States." The United States had clearly claimed ownership of West Florida.
How well do you understand the competing claims to West Florida? Use the following activity to review what you have learned.
Shortly after the United States purchased the Louisiana Territory __________ claimed ownership over West Florida.
- Britain
- France
- Spain
Spain claimed ownership over West Florida because they did not view it as being part of the Louisiana Territory.
Spain claimed ownership over West Florida because they did not view it as being part of the Louisiana Territory.
Spain claimed ownership over West Florida because they did not view it as being part of the Louisiana Territory.
In September of 1810, a group of American settlers rebelled in West Florida and created the "_________ of West Florida."
- Republic
- Empire
- Dominion
The rebels overthrew Spanish rule and created the "Republic of West Florida" as an independent country.
The rebels overthrew Spanish rule and created the "Republic of West Florida" as an independent country.
The rebels overthrew Spanish rule and created the "Republic of West Florida" as an independent country.
In October of 1810, President Madison issued a proclamation that _________ U.S. ownership of West Florida.
- questioned
- denied
- claimed
In an effort to clarify the American position regarding West Florida, President Madison issued a proclamation that claimed American ownership over West Florida. This put both Spain and the rebels on notice that United States was serious about occupying the territory.
In an effort to clarify the American position regarding West Florida, President Madison issued a proclamation that claimed American ownership over West Florida. This put both Spain and the rebels on notice that United States was serious about occupying the territory.
In an effort to clarify the American position regarding West Florida, President Madison issued a proclamation that claimed American ownership over West Florida. This put both Spain and the rebels on notice that United States was serious about occupying the territory.
Summary
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