Seminole Tribe
During the early 1800s the Spanish became consumed by rebellions in their South American territories. They began to focus most of their attention on those rebellions. As a result, issues began to arise in Florida.
The problem, however, was not angry colonists, but rather the Seminoles. The Seminoles were a Native American tribe that lived in Florida. They knew the Spanish had been distracted, and they began raiding Florida and Georgia. Additionally, they allowed escaped slaves to live within their communities, which angered United States officials.
In an effort to halt the Seminoles’ attacks, the American government relied on the expertise of Andrew Jackson. Jackson was a veteran of the War of 1812. Jackson believed that to completely stop the Seminoles, the United States would need to occupy Florida, which was controlled by the Spanish. Jackson wrote President Monroe to inform him of his plans. Although President Monroe did not seem to encourage Jackson, he also did not stop him.
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