Second colonial period

Definition

The second colonial period refers to the time in Florida's history after Spain regained control of the territory from Great Britain in 1783, lasting until the United States acquired Florida in 1821. This era is characterized by significant Spanish influence on governance, culture, and society in Florida, as well as ongoing conflicts with Native American tribes and increasing pressures from American settlers seeking expansion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the second colonial period, Spain implemented new policies to attract settlers to Florida, including land grants and incentives for agriculture.
2. The population during this period saw a mix of Spanish settlers, Native Americans, and a growing number of American immigrants drawn to the region's resources.
3. Conflicts with Native American tribes intensified as settlers encroached on their lands, leading to violent confrontations and changes in alliances.
4. Spanish authorities worked to strengthen their military presence in Florida to defend against both internal unrest and external threats from American forces.
5. The second colonial period laid the groundwork for Florida's eventual transition into American territory, reflecting broader trends of westward expansion in the United States.

Review Questions

• How did Spain's return to control over Florida after 1783 influence its governance and settlement policies?
  • After regaining control over Florida in 1783, Spain aimed to reestablish its influence by implementing policies designed to attract settlers and improve governance. These included offering land grants to new arrivals and promoting agricultural development. This strategy aimed to bolster the population and economy of Florida while enhancing Spain's hold on the territory amid growing pressures from American settlers.
• Discuss the impact of conflicts between Spanish authorities and Native American tribes during the second colonial period.
  • Conflicts between Spanish authorities and Native American tribes intensified during the second colonial period due to territorial encroachments by settlers. The Seminole and other tribes resisted Spanish control, leading to violent confrontations. These conflicts revealed the challenges Spain faced in maintaining order and authority in a region increasingly influenced by American expansionism, ultimately contributing to shifts in power dynamics within Florida.
• Evaluate the significance of the Adams-Onís Treaty in shaping Florida's transition from Spanish to American control at the end of the second colonial period.
  • The Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819 was crucial in determining Florida's transition from Spanish control to that of the United States. This treaty not only ceded Florida to the U.S. but also defined borders that would affect territorial claims in North America. The agreement reflected broader themes of U.S. expansionism and highlighted Spain's waning influence in North America, marking a pivotal moment that altered the trajectory of Florida's governance, demographics, and culture.

Related terms

Treaty of Paris (1783):

The agreement that ended the American Revolutionary War, in which Spain regained Florida from British control.

Florida's Native American Tribes: Various indigenous groups, such as the Seminole and Creek tribes, who were significantly affected by colonial policies and land disputes during the second colonial period.

Adams-Onís Treaty:

The 1819 agreement between the United States and Spain that ceded Florida to the U.S. and defined the boundary between Spanish territory and the U.S.