Download The Hartford Convention - Roadmap to Last Best Hope

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