When States Had Backbone: The Militia Showdown They Never Teach

Does the federal government have unilateral power to call forth the militia? During the War of 1812, New England states not only said no, but they used the principles of the 10th Amendment to actively interpose and resist federal demands for mobilizing the militia.

Path to Liberty: August 13, 2025

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Declaration of War Against the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (18 June 1812)

James Madison – to Congress (3 Jan 1810)

Gary Nobbs – Failure On All On All Fronts: The United States Army in the First Year of the War of 1812

Maharrey – The War of 1812 and State Sovereignty: New England’s Militia Resistance Explained

John Bach McMaster – A history of the people of the United States v3

Henry Dearborn – Letter to Gov. Caleb Strong (22 June 1812)

William Eustis – Letter to Gov. Caleb Strong (21 July 1812)

Gov. Caleb Strong to Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, and reply (1 Aug 1812)

Gov. Strong – Letter to William Eustis (5 Aug 1812)

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When States Had Backbone: The Militia Showdown They Never Teach