Hartford Convention

Definition

The Hartford Convention was a meeting held by New England Federalists in late 1814-early 1815 to discuss their grievances about the War of 1812 and consider secession from Union.

Related terms

Secession: The act of withdrawing from an organization or federation, like what was discussed during the Hartford Convention.

War Hawks: Members of Congress who pushed for war against Britain leading up to War of 1812; they were opposed by New England Federalists who later convened at Hartford Convention.

Embargo Act of 1807: A law that prohibited American ships from trading in all foreign ports, causing economic hardship especially in New England and contributing to discontent leading up to Hartford Convention.