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DOC 4 Expanding the Nation and
Resolving Disputes –
Adams-Onis Treaty and The Monroe Doctrine
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The Adams-Onis Treaty (Transcontinental Treaty) of 1819 was one of the critical
events that defined the U.S.-Mexico border. The border between the then-Spanish
lands and American territory was a source of heated international debate. In Europe,
□ Vision/Setting
Agenda
Spain was in the midst of serious internal problems and its colonies out west were on the brink
of revolution. an
Spain
Equal Justice
also realized that it must negotiate with the United States or possibly lose Florida without□anyPursued
compensation.
The For All
Performance Within Context of Times
treaty between the United States and Spain was negotiated by Secretary of State John□ Quincy
Adams and the
Spanish Minister to the United States, Don Luis de Onís, and signed in February 1819. The principal elements in the
treaty were the acquisition of Florida by the United States and the establishment of a boundary line between Spanish
territory and the United States. When John Quincy Adams became Secretary of State in 1817, he sought additional
territory. In 1817 and 1818 Adams and President James Monroe resumed efforts to acquire Florida and a western
boundary for the Louisiana Purchase. After months of negotiations, the Adams-Onís Treaty was signed on February
22, 1819.
By the terms of this boundary, the United States agreed that Texas was on the Spanish side of the line, and Spain
agreed to give up its claim to the Northwest Territory (Oregon and Washington state today) north of forty-two
degrees. The treaty was approved by the U.S. Senate on February 24, 1819. However, Spanish authorities delayed
their approval until 1821. The Senate approved the treaty a second time, and President Monroe ratified and
exchanged it with Spanish authorities in February 1821.
MONROE DOCTRINE:
The War of 1812 imbued the United States with a sense of self
confidence that enabled it to establish diplomatic relationships with other
nations. John Quincy Adams, Secretary of State under President
James Monroe, settled a border dispute between the US and Canada
and reached agreements with Spain through which the US acquired
Florida and the nations decided the southern border of the Louisiana
Purchase. By 1823, the idea of nationalism had also spread to smaller
nations in the western hemisphere, inspiring many of Spain’s colonies to
set up independent rule. European nations, eager to retain colonial rule,
were set to assist Spain in putting down these rebellions. British
Foreign Minister George Canning proposed that England and the United
States work together to maintain the former colonies’ newly established
independence. Adams ultimately convinced President Monroe to reject
Britain’s assistance; instead, Monroe issued his now famous doctrine in
an annual message to Congress on December 2, 1823.
“The American continents, by the free and independent condition which
they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered
as subjects for future colonization by any European powers… With existing colonies or dependencies of any
European powers we have not interfered and shall not interfere. But with governments who have declared their
independence and maintain it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles,
acknowledged, we could not view any interposition (intervention) for the purpose of oppressing them or controlling in
any other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as a manifestation of an unfriendly
position toward the United States. Our policy in regard to Europe...remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the
internal concerns of any of its powers. But in regard to this continent circumstances are very different. It is
impossible that that allied powers should extend their political system to any portion of this continent without
endangering our peace and happiness; nor can anyone believe that our southern brethren, if left to themselves,
would adopt these systems of their own accord....”