U.S.-Spanish relations and the Florida campaigns -- Rules of war and American nation-building -- Challenges and conflicts -- Creeks, Seminoles, and Indian wars -- Civilization and nationhood -- Race and territoriality -- Military tribunals and rule of law -- Conclusion
Summary
The First Seminole War shaped how the United States demarcated its spatial and legal boundaries. Rooted in exceptionalism, manifest destiny, and racism, the legal framework that emerged from Andrew Jackson's invasion of Florida laid the groundwork for the Monroe Doctrine, the Dred Scott decision, and westward expansion, as Deborah Rosen shows