1. The Hartford
Convention

2. Overview
Gathering of Federalists delegates in
Hartford, Connecticut from 5 different
New England states: Connecticut,
Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont
and New Hampshire
December 15, 1814-January 5, 1815
Delegates discussed grievances
against Democratic-Republican policies
during the War of 1812
Proposed changes to government
policies

3. Causes Of Discontent
The War of 1812 was extremely
unpopular in New England:
 Were sympathetic with Britain; resented
Democratic-Republicans sympathy with
the “anti-Christ of the age,” Napoleon
Acquisition of Canada would
only increase number of agrarian
states
• Would weaken Federalist
voting power in Congress

4. Causes of Discontent
 Enactment of coastal trade
embargo depressed economy
and reduced federal revenues
•Additionally aggravated
New England because
disallowed New England’s
illicit trade with the British in
Canada
 Federal government also proposed the nationalizing of all state
militias
•Didn’t want to support national cause; didn’t want Democratic-
Republicans to have this much power

5. The Hartford Convention
Initiated after Massachusetts governor proposed
radical action to the state legislature
Moderates instead called for meeting of
delegates from entire region
People involved:
Twenty-six delegates total; only three popularly
elected, the rest were appointed by state legislatures
Led by Massachusetts’ George Cabot
 Considered extralegal and held in secret
Actual convention very moderate, despite previous
discussion by some of secession

6. Demands and Proposals
 Financial compensation for lost trade
Two-thirds vote in Congress to pass an embargo, admit
new states or declare war
Abolish three-fifths clause
Limit presidents to a single term and disallow two
successive presidents from a single state
Wanted to end “Virginia Dynasty”
These represent New England’s wish to retain it’s
power; didn’t want to become subservient to expanding
agrarian regions

7. Results
Proposals delivered right after U.S.
victory in New Orleans and later the
Treaty of Ghent
New England was merely
disregarded or even considered
treasonous
End of the Federalists: no other
successful federalists presidential
campaigns after this humiliation