Need for more land or thrist to be known as a World Power?

Adams-Onis Treaty:

In 1812 the United States of America was at war with Great Britain. During the war the United States was under a lot of pressure to use this opportunity to expand their territory. In the spring of 1813 the United States Congress authorized the occupation of a Spanish owned town and port, Mobile, in West Florida. In retaliation to the United States actions, Spain allowed Britain to use Pensacola for a base camp, in addition to helping the Creek Indians fight the United States. After the war against Britain ended in 1815, Spain made an effort to resolve its disputes with the United States. In 1819 Spain and the United States both signed the Adams-Onis Treaty that would bring tranquility to the two nations. The treaty allowed Spain to keep its territory in Texas but all the land formally owned by Spain east of the Mississippi river was given to the United States. After this treaty was signed both Spain and the United States abandoned their claims to damage caused by the previous wars.

George Washington would have been disappointed in the events that led up to the signing of the Adams-Onis Treaty due to the United States' thirst to become known as a World Power. "Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice?..." (77). In George Washington's Farewell Address, Washington expressed that the United States should not involve itself and commit acts with Europe that would threaten the peace and prosperity destined for the United States.

This event shows how much the United States has grown as a country. It shows that the new form of government was successful. The United States was thought of as young and weak, but is now showing the world that it is becoming quite powerful. This event shows that the United States will not be limited to the little land it was given when it was first created. The United States has the liberty to expand their territory in a fair manner. I believe this event helps accomplish the goals set in the Preamble because it helps bring prosperity to the country by acquiring more land in which to trade with and prosper from.