U.S. Citizenship Civics Test1800sHard
Which major land acquisition in the 1800s, signed into law by President Andrew Jackson, involved the United States purchasing Florida from Spain?
- AThe Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
- BThe Louisiana Purchase
- CThe Gadsden Purchase
- DThe Adams-Onís Treaty
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The Adams-Onís Treaty
The Adams-Onís Treaty, signed in 1819, formally ceded Florida to the United States from Spain and also settled the boundary dispute between the U.S. and New Spain (Mexico). While Andrew Jackson was instrumental in the events leading to the treaty, James Monroe was president at the time of its signing.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) ended the Mexican-American War, ceding vast territories to the U.S.
- B. The Louisiana Purchase (1803) acquired territory from France.
- C. The Gadsden Purchase (1853) acquired land from Mexico for a railroad route.
Adams-Onís Treaty (1819)
A treaty between the United States and Spain in 1819 that ceded Florida to the U.S. and defined the boundary between the U.S. and New Spain.
- Also known as the Transcontinental Treaty.
- Negotiated by John Quincy Adams (U.S.) and Luis de Onís (Spain).
- Officially transferred sovereignty of Florida to the United States.
- Settled western boundary claims for the U.S. to the Pacific Ocean.
Memory trick: Land bought, borders drawn, destiny shown.