How did the United States gain control of Florida? The citizens of Florida fought for independence from Spain. The government bought Florida from Spain. The government gained control of Florida after the Mexican War. The citizens of Florida voted to join the United

The United States gained control of Florida primarily through a negotiated agreement between the U.S. and Spain known as the **Adams–Onís Treaty** (also called the Transcontinental Treaty) in **1819**, which was ratified in **1821**. Here's a breakdown of the options you provided: 1. **The citizens of Florida fought for independence from Spain.** - While there were conflicts and tensions in Florida, particularly with Native American tribes and runaway slaves, there wasn't a significant citizen-led movement for independence from Spain that led to its acquisition by the U.S. 2. **The government bought Florida from Spain.** *(Correct Answer)* - The Adams–Onís Treaty facilitated the transfer of Florida from Spanish control to the United States. In exchange, the U.S. renounced any claims to Texas and settled border disputes along the Sabine River. Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. without a direct cash payment, but the treaty also involved the U.S. assuming $5 million in claims by American citizens against Spain. 3. **The government gained control of Florida after the Mexican War.** - The **Mexican-American War** (1846-1848) primarily concerned territories acquired from Mexico, such as California and New Mexico. Florida had already become a U.S. territory well before this war. 4. **The citizens of Florida voted to join the United States.** - Florida became a U.S. territory following the Adams–Onís Treaty and was later admitted as the 27th state in **1845**. While residents would have participated in the statehood process, the initial acquisition was through the treaty with Spain, not through a direct vote by Florida's citizens to join the U.S. **In summary:** The United States acquired Florida from Spain through the Adams–Onís Treaty in 1819, making option 2 the correct answer.