1. The New England Secessionist Movement (1814-1815): During the War of 1812, some Federalists in New England opposed the war and explored the possibility of seceding from the Union. The Hartford Convention of 1814-1815 brought together delegates from New England states to discuss grievances against the federal government. While secession was not explicitly advocated, the convention's resolutions hinted at the possibility of leaving the Union if their concerns remained unaddressed.
2. The Nullification Crisis (1832-1833): The Nullification Crisis occurred in South Carolina over federal tariffs enacted by the Tariff of 1828, which Southern states viewed as discriminatory and harmful to their economy. South Carolina adopted the Ordinance of Nullification, declaring the tariffs null and void within the state. President Andrew Jackson responded with the Force Bill, authorizing the use of military force to enforce federal law. The crisis was ultimately defused through a compromise tariff.
3. The Texas Annexation Movement (1845): In 1845, the Republic of Texas was annexed by the United States. However, there was significant opposition to annexation, both within the United States and Texas. Some Northerners opposed the expansion of slavery into new territories, while some Texans feared losing their autonomy and cultural identity by joining the Union. Nevertheless, annexation eventually occurred, contributing to tensions that led to the Civil War.
4. The Secession of the Southern States (1860-1861): The most significant secessionist movement in American history was the secession of eleven Southern states in the wake of Abraham Lincoln's election as president in 1860. The election of a Republican candidate who opposed the expansion of slavery alarmed Southern states, leading them to declare secession and form the Confederate States of America. This ultimately resulted in the outbreak of the American Civil War (1861-1865).
5. The Hawaiian Sovereignty Movement (1893-1898): In the late 19th century, a sovereignty movement emerged in Hawaii to resist American annexation. Hawaii had been a sovereign kingdom under the rule of Queen Lili'uokalani, but in 1893, American businessmen, with the support of the U.S. government, overthrew the monarchy and established a provisional government. The sovereignty movement sought to restore Hawaiian independence and the monarchy, but Hawaii was eventually annexed by the United States in 1898.