The First Seminole War (1817-1818) was a conflict between the United States and the Seminole people in Florida. The war began when General Andrew Jackson led military campaigns against the Seminoles, who were accused of harboring runaway slaves and attacking American settlements. The U.S. aimed to assert control over Florida, which was then a Spanish territory. The war resulted in the U.S. gaining significant territory and led to the eventual acquisition of Florida from Spain in 1819. The conflict highlighted tensions between Native American tribes and American expansion, setting the stage for future confrontations in the region.