How is the Adams-Onis Treaty an expression of Nationalism?

Question

Could anyone help me with this question. I need an explanation of what the treaty is because I read what it was but don't understand it too well.

Answer 1

It was a bold gesture on the part of Secretary of State John Q. Adams to approach Spain and virtually DEMAND Florida for the United States. We flexed our muscle after out tie with England in the War of 1812 and we were basking in the glow of post-war nationalism. We basically told Spain that they could either sell us Florida or we would just take it from them by force. As a part of the Adams-Onis Treaty we promised to "give" to Spain the area that today comprises Texas. But we KNEW that we would get this back anyone very soon, so it was a pretty gutsy measure to throw in some land that we were confident would return to us within a few years (it would be like giving a person a homing pigeon as a gift. They take it home, let it loose to fly around the yard and it flies back home to us--THAT was Texas.)


And there you have it.