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
