GCP - Spanish Threat from Florida (Lesson)

Spanish Threat from Florida 

Introduction

Spanish Threat from Florida Icon With England controlling the borders of Georgia and Spain controlling the borders of Florida, conflict became inevitable between the two rivals. In 1739 war broke out between England and Spain and of course this would mean repercussions for the colonies. Ultimately, after a battle known as Bloody Marsh, Georgia and Florida were able to dissolve tensions. 

 

1740

  • James Oglethorpe Leads Attack on St. Augustine, 1740
  • A force of about 2,000 men, mostly Native Americans and settlers from Georgia and South Carolina, was quickly organized. They tried to take Spanish forts, especially St. Augustine.

 

June 15, 1740

  • Spanish militia met Oglethorpe and his soldiers with a surprise attack on June 15, 1740, in which they retreated back to Georgia. 

 

1740-1742

  • For over two years Florida and Georgia had small battles between the two colonies.
  • Neither group gained much ground in these small conflicts.

Rising Tensions

July, 1742

  • In July 1742, Oglethorpe gathered forces and waited in the woods along the
    marshes on St. Simons Island.
  • The Spanish were caught by surprise and fled back to Florida.
  • This became known as Battle of Bloody Marsh.
  • This marked a period of a safe frontier border with dissolving further standoffs.

 

Review

Review what you've learned by completing the activity below.

 

 

Think About This

 

 

We will see in the future of Georgia, Spanish Florida will come back to be a key player in its colonial history. As we move forward we will see Georgia will now feel secure with it is border and will begin to have internal problems as they move into a Royal Colony government. 

  IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS