Category Archives: States’ rights

How the Massachusetts Legislature Reacted

  During its winter session, from January 26 to March 4, 1809, the Massachusetts legislature passed three resolutions: They denounced the Enforcement Act as “unjust, oppressive, and unconstitutional, and not legally binding on the citizens of this state.”  They opposed … Continue reading

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How Jefferson’s Economic Sanctions Angered New Englanders

  Jefferson’s intent was to keep the embargo in effect until either the French repealed their decrees, or the British repealed their orders.  Congress passed a ‘Force Act’ in 1809 bolstering the embargo.  It allowed federal agents to confiscate goods … Continue reading

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Faults on Both Sides; Can the House Refuse to Fund Legislation It Opposes?

  Faults on Both Sides Part II:  Faults of the Federalists (continued) 3.  British Orders in Council and the Federalists’ Reaction to Jefferson’s Embargo Frustrated in his war against Britain, Napoleon declared economic warfare with his Berlin Decree, November 21, … Continue reading

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How Mathew Carey Found Fault with Democratic-Republicans

  Mathew Carey published the Olive Branch on November 8, 1814.  The full title was The Olive Branch: or Faults on Both Sides, Federal and Democratic, A Serious Appeal on the Necessity of Mutual Forgiveness & Harmony, to Save our … Continue reading

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Why the Olive Branch Was an Act of Courage for Carey; How the Nullification Crisis was Resolved

Why Writing the Olive Branch was an Act of Courage for Mathew Carey Carey published his book on secession, the Olive Branch, on November 6, 1814, shortly before the Hartford Convention.  It was an act of courage.  Carey was concerned his political … Continue reading

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How New England Responded When the British Invaded Washington; What is the American Colonization Society?

How New England Responded When the British Invaded Washington In August 1814, British troops invaded Washington and burned the White House.  Inhabitants of Maine, under occupation, swore loyalty to Britain.  Massachusetts pulled its troops out of service to the United … Continue reading

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Secession During the War of 1812; Nullification Threats in 1832

How Mathew Carey Suggested Madison Deal with Secessionists During the War of 1812 As Madison passively ignored him, and New Englanders became bolder, Carey’s protests became more urgent.   He continued to write to Madison, even suggesting that Congress pass a … Continue reading

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Secession in Massachusetts; Nullification in South Carolina

Secession off the Coast of Massachusetts On the island of Nantucket off the coast of Massachusetts, a British gunboat patrolled the shore, cutting off supplies from the mainland. Some islanders begged for food in town.  The sea-going islanders, whalers by … Continue reading

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States’ Rights in New England and South Carolina

New England States Asserted their Rights to President Madison in 1813 By 1813, the state governments of New England were under Federalist control.   Federalists opposed the war from the beginning, and were poised to assert states’ rights to President Madison.  … Continue reading

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