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Tariff of 1828/Tariff of Abominations
This tariff placed heavy monetary burdens on foreign imports as a tactic to encourage local commerce in the United States. Manufacturers preferred this, as it meant more probable revenue from goods made in the US. Though some were for it, Southerners and cash crop farmers relied very heavily on outsider British trade. As some tariffs increased tax by even 50%, this was burdensome and deemed the "Tariff of Abominations." -
South Carolina Exposition and Protest
Vice President John Calhoun opposed the Tariff of 1828/Tariff of Abominations in his anonymously written "South Carolina Exposition and Protest." This outlined Calhoun's distaste and opinions on the high tariffs, claiming that the government was overreaching in their power and that state nullification should be allowed. -
Tariff of 1832
After anger following the Tariff of 1828/Tariff of Abominations, the Tariff of 1832 slightly changed tariffs, but still strongly favored the protection of the Northern US. This further angered the South with reliance on imports, and led soon after to threats of succession. -
Ordinance of Nullification
South Carolina passed an ordinance deciding that the tariffs passed in both 1828 and 1832 were null, or canceled out by state law. This attempted to remove appellate jurisdiction over the ordinance, forced state officeholders to swear oaths under it, and the state also threatened to separate from the US in the case of force by government. -
Proclamation to South Carolina
President Andrew Jackson released a statement on South Carolina's attempts at nullifying federal law on a state level, addressing the general public and stating it was unconstitutional, went against Congress, and had the potential to tear apart the Union of the states, thus taking power away from the majority. -
Force Bill
The Force Bill cemented the president's ability to use military force on the occasion that a state refused tariffs. This would take effect after the next session of Congress was adjourned. Citizens could be required to pay their dues in case and on the sight of customs housing. -
Compromise Tariff of 1833
Henry Clay managed to bring about the end of the Nullification Crisis with the proposal of the Compromise Tariff. This compromise slowly lowered the tariffs over the next several years, appeasing both the need for local purchases and necessary southerner trading.