Thomas Wilson Dorr attempts unsuccessfully to seize the Rhode Island state arsenal at Providence on May 19 to secure his position as governor, but his government collapses amid minor armed clashes between Dorrites and the state militia.
A member of the Rhode Island state legislature from 1834, Dorr had failed in his reform efforts to reform the Rhode Island constitution and gain universal manhood suffrage.
In 1841 he had organized the People's Party, which called a convention, adopted a new constitution, held elections, and, on May 3, 1842, had installed Dorr as governor.
The preexisting government does not recognize him, and Rhode Island for a time has two administrations.
Dorr flees from Rhode Island after the failed attempt by his militiamen.
In late 1842, the state government will extend the vote to all native-born male whites.
