“So Monroe came out of the War of 1812 as a hero. And he and his wife, his beautiful wife Elizabeth, moved into what was the blackened hulk of a presidential mansion. And workers slathered on, really slathered on these thick, thick coats of white paint, and really, so thick that it gleamed white.”
Harlow Unger says the new president sought to improve the country’s safety. Monroe wanted to prevent any more invasions and to extend the country’s natural defenses.
One of the first problems he faced was in east Florida, in land which is now part of the state of Florida. The area borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
At that time, east Florida belonged to Spain. But Spain controlled only a few towns in the area. The rest was controlled by criminals, escaped slaves and former British soldiers.
The area was also home to native American Indians of the Seminole and Creek tribes. Sometimes, people from east Florida would enter the state of Georgia and attack American citizens. One serious fight involved Seminole Indians and people just across the Georgia border.
Monroe ordered General Andrew Jackson to march against the Indians. Jackson was a hero of the War of 1812 against Britain. He sent a message to President Monroe. It said:
"Let me know in any way that the United States wants possession of the Florida territory. And in 60 days, it will be done."
Jackson received no answer to his letter. He believed the silence meant that he was free to seize Florida. He quickly gathered a force of soldiers and marched toward Florida.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25