No Evidence U.S. Feared France More Than Spain on Its Doorstep

Historical records do not support the premise that the United States was uniquely bothered by France's proximity compared to Spain's. Both European powers held North American territories adjacent to U.S. borders at different times (Spain: Florida, Louisiana, Southwest; France: Louisiana, Canada). U.S. diplomacy engaged both—Louisiana Purchase (1803) from France, Adams–Onís Treaty (1819) with Spain—based on strategic interests, not disproportionate fear of France.