Colonial Florida: Spanish, French, and British Rule

This course examines the geopolitical and social history of Florida from the sixteenth century until its transfer to the United States in 1821. It tracks the initial Spanish exploration and subsequent settlement of St. Augustine, the brief but significant French presence at Fort Caroline, and the administrative changes during twenty years of British rule. The curriculum also covers the Second Spanish Period, analyzing the economic shifts, military conflicts, and diplomatic treaties that shaped the region. Learners will gain a factual overview of how these European powers interacted with indigenous populations and developed the unique colonial landscape of the Florida peninsula.