# Florida and Texas explained — From the Earth to the Moon

> Chapter companion for From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The Gun Club debates the location for the Columbiad, with J.T. Maston initially calling for war against Mexico to secure territory. Barbicane reveals that southern Texas and Florida already lie within the required 28th parallel. A fierce rivalry erupts between the two states, with deputies flooding Baltimore and newspapers taking sides. After a heated dispute, Barbicane decides in favor of Tampa Town, Florida, because it has only one suitable city, avoiding further inter-city rivalries. The Texican deputies are forcibly removed from Baltimore.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nationalism and American Exceptionalism

Maston insists the cannon must be on U.S. soil, and the debate frames the project as a matter of national pride and glory.

### Conflict and Rivalry

The intense competition between Texas and Florida, including newspaper wars and threats of violence, exemplifies the theme of rivalry.

### Public Enthusiasm and Media Hype

Newspapers like the New York Herald and the American Review fuel the state rivalry, showing widespread public engagement.

## Character check-ins

### Impey Barbicane

President of the Gun Club; proposes using existing U.S. territory and ultimately decides on Tampa Town, Florida, to avoid further rivalry.

### J. T. Maston

Vehemently argues for declaring war on Mexico to secure territory, but is convinced by Barbicane's map showing suitable U.S. land.

## Key lines

> If seven towns of Greece contended for the honour of being Homer's birthplace, two entire states threatened to fight over a cannon.

Just as ancient Greek cities once competed for the glory of claiming Homer, now two American states are ready to battle for the privilege of hosting this cannon.

_Highlights the absurdity and intensity of the rivalry._

> Very well! let it be blown up! answered the Floridians with a laconism worthy of ancient times.

The Floridians replied with a terse, defiant remark, reminiscent of ancient Spartan brevity: 'Let it be blown up!'

_Shows the Floridians' unwavering resolve despite Texas's taunts._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/from_the_earth_to_the_moon_se/chapters/florida-and-texas
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/from_the_earth_to_the_moon_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/from_the_earth_to_the_moon_se/chapters