Karyme~ Nullification Crisis

Tariff of 1828

May 19, 1828

Also known as the "Tariff of Abominations,"was designed to protect Northern industries but it angered Southern states, particularly South Carolina. Vice President John C. Calhoun argued that states had the right to nullify unconstitutional federal laws, leading to a conflict with President Andrew Jackson, who defended the Union. it escalated causing conflict, but was resolved by the Compromise Tariff of 1833,which gradually reduced tariff rates, though tensions between North and South persisted.

South Carolina Exposition and Protest

Dec 19, 1828

This laid out the doctrine of nullification, arguing that states had the right to declare federal laws unconstitutional. Calhoun opposed the “Tariff of Abominations,” which he believed unfairly burdened the South. He claims that states retained power under the Constitution and could protect their interests by nullifying federal actions that exceeded constitutional limits. This document shows the growing sectional divide over federal authority, particularly regarding economic and political power.

Tariff of 1832

Jul 14, 1832

The Tariff of 1832, started on July 14, 1832, aimed to reduce the high tariffs imposed by the Tariff of 1828, which had angered many Southern states, especially South Carolina. While it lowered some duties, it did not fully satisfy Southern grievances. South Carolina, under the influence of John C. Calhoun, declared both the 1828 and 1832 tariffs unconstitutional through the Ordinance of Nullification. This nearly led to civil war, but tensions eased with the Tariff of 1833.

South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification

Nov 24, 1832

Placed on November 24, 1832, declared the federal tariffs of 1828 and 1832 unconstitutional and unenforceable within the state. South Carolina argued that these tariffs unfairly protected Northern industries at the expense of Southern states. The ordinance stated that no state or federal authority could enforce these tariffs in South Carolina, and if the federal government used force, South Carolina threatened to leave from the Union, asserting its right to nullify federal laws.

Andrew Jackson's Proclamation to the People of South Carolina

Dec 10, 1832

President Andrew Jackson's Proclamation of December 10, 1832, addressed the Nullification Crisis in South Carolina. The state wanted to nullify federal tariffs, they viewed them as unconstitutional. Jackson emphasized the protection of the Union, arguing that states did not have the right to nullify federal laws. He warned South Carolina that separation and resistance to federal authority could lead to consequences, appealing to citizens to prioritize national unity over sectional interests.

Compromise Tariff of 1833

Mar 2, 1833

This was a compromise measure arranged by Senators Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun to resolve the Nullification Crisis. South Carolina had declared the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 unconstitutional,challenging federal authority. To prevent separation and civil war,the Tariff of 1833 gradually reduced tariff rates, satisfying Southern demands while still allowing manufacturers time to adjust. President Andrew Jackson then signed the Force Act authorizing military enforcement of federal laws.

Force Bill

Mar 2, 1833

This authorized President Andrew Jackson to use military force if needed, to enforce federal tariff laws, especially in response to South Carolina’s Ordinance of Nullification. The state declared federal tariffs unconstitutional and threatened separation. The bill gave Jackson the authority to use military power to ensure tariffs were collected, marking a significant moment in the conflict between federal authority and states' rights. It was a key event in resolving the Nullification Crisis.

South Carolina Repeals Nullification

Mar 15, 1833

The Nullification Crisis started after South Carolina declared federal tariffs null and void.President Andrew Jackson viewed this as a question to national authority.In response, he issued a proclamation asserting federal supremacy and threatened military action to enforce laws.South Carolina, however, maintained its stance, asserting a state's right to split up. lastly the compromise tariff was passed, and South Carolina repealed its nullification, though tensions over states' rights continued.