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The Hartford Convention Objectives: The students will… Be able to explain the reasons for New England discontent during the War of 1812 Explain the reasons and significance for the amendments proposed by the Hartford Convention Effectively interpret a political cartoon Explain the distinction between the power to declare war and to make war Materials: Student Handout: The Power to Make War Additional Resources The Library of Congress has an exceptional website on the War of 1812 with a detailed chronology, numerous political cartoons, and primary sources. Background: On June 1, 1812, President James Madison asked Congress to declare war on Great Britain. Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 grants this power to the legislative branch (Note: There have been only five declared wars in American history—the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the SpanishAmerican War, World War I, and World War II). Madison’s war message to Congress stated in part: “Whether the United States shall continue passive under these progressive usurpations and these accumulating wrongs, or, opposing force to force in defense of their national rights, shall commit a just cause into me hands of the Almighty Disposer of Events, avoiding all connections which might entangle it in the contest or views of other powers, and preserving a constant readiness to concur in an honorable reestablishment of peace and friendship, is a solemn question which the Constitution wisely confides to the legislative department of the Government In recommending it to their early deliberations I am happy in the assurance that the decision will be worthy the enlightened and patriotic councils of a virtuous, a free, and a powerful nation.” Teacher Guide Page 1 The war controversial and faced much political opposition from the Federalist Party. In the vote for a declaration of war, the House passed the resolution by 79 to 49; the Senate followed passing it by a slim 6 vote majority—19 to 13. The New England states felt that they had been unjustly treated by both the Jefferson and Madison administrations. There was a strong sentiment in the region that the Constitution must be amended to protect their mercantile interest and to prevent the south from dominating the federal government. The Hartford Convention met in December 1814 and January 1815 to discuss the grievances of New England. They proposed a series of amendments to the Constitution and the threat of secession was raised seriously for the first time (ironically in the north). 1. Discussion: Pass out the student handout: The Power to Make War. Discuss what the Constitution says about this power and Madison’s views on the issue. Contrast this view with the modern trend in presidential conflicts—the Korean War, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, the Iraq War. What do the students think about these issues? Are such contemporary conflicts “Constitutional?” What laws, legislation, or resolutions granted the president the ability to make war in these conflicts? Is there a difference between the power to declare to war and to make war? If so, what is it? 2. Have the students prepare a list of causes of the War of 1812. Was this war justified? Teacher Guide Page 2 3. Pass out the student handout: The Hartford Convention. The cartoon, The Leap or No Leap Cartoon, can be downloaded from the Library of Congress website. Discuss the cartoon with the students. Basically it shows that three New England States—Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut—are being encouraged by King George III to break with the United States over the War of 1812. 4. Using the same handout, discuss the five major amendments proposed by the Hartford Convention. Discuss the impact and motivation of each. a. No trade embargos lasting over 60 days—The Embargo Act under Jefferson unfairly targeted the New England states and hurt their economy far more than that of the south. b. 2/3 majority of Congress to approve admission of new states to the Union—this would require a greater consensus in the Congress for admission of new states and if adopted, would have had profound effect with the debate over slavery during the Missouri crisis of 1820. c. Abolishment of the 3/5ths Clause in the Constitution—the 3/5ths Clause gave the south greater representation in the House and more significant power in presidential elections by counting slaves using this fraction. Slaves were granted no rights as citizens and this provision was giving the south too much power in the government. d. Presidents limited to serving one term in office—Only John Adams had not been re-elected president. It seemed that two terms of office would be the norm for an American president and the three of the first four presidents had all been from the south. e. Require a succeeding president to be from a different state than his immediate predecessor—Washington, Jefferson, and Madison were all Virginians (the next president, James Monroe, was likewise from Virginia). This was aimed at preventing a Virginia dynasty. Teacher Guide Page 3 Teacher Guide Page 4