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Two Proposals
The Distribution proposal was identified by Henry Clay, in which he stated “Congress would distribute the proceeds from the sale of public lands to the states.” This could be used to help with the money used for transportation. Senator Thomas Hart Benton proposed the graduation idea. He wanted Congress to slowly decrease the value of the land and eventually give it away for free if it went unsold. -
Denouncing of the Proposals
A Connecticut senator proposed a cessation of public land sales. Senator Benton denounced the proposal as an attempt by manufacturers to prevent workers from moving into the West. This was all in fear of the thought they would lose a large amount of workers and money as well. -
Denouncing of Nullification
It was believed that the idea of nullification had a right to sue in federal court or seek to amend the Constitution, but it had no right to entirely nullify a federal law. This is how many civil wars begin and people are afraid this could happen. Webster stated “Liberty first and Union afterwards,” and “Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable.” -
Robert Hayne's spark of the split of the Union
Robert Y. Hayne wanted an alliance of southern and western interests that are based on a low tariff and cheap land. He was for the idea of nullification and he called on the two sections to gather together and fight against the Northern ideas and proposal. -
Jackson reveals his stance
Jackson revealed his position on the two proposals and his thoughts on the nullification at a Jefferson Day dinner. Jackson proposed a toast which stated, “Our Union: It must be preserved.” This prompted a response from John Calhoun in which he challenged and offered a following toast: “The Union, next to our liberty, most dear. May we always remember that it can only be preserved by distributing equally the benefits and burdens of the Union.” -
Calhoun is forced out
Jackson reorganized his cabinet and forced Calhoun’s supporters out. The next year, Calhoun became the first vice president to resign his office, when he became a senator from South Carolina. South Carolina was the lead state for the nullification. -
South Carolina declares Tariff Acts void
South Carolina’s fiery “states’ righters” wanted to protest and declared both of the tariff acts void and nullified them. The state legislature voted to raise an army in order to attempt to defend their position. South Carolina was the only state to declare the acts null and they still remained in their position. The largest reason for their nullification is because they feared the loss of slavery and the prices of cotton were declining and they were losing money. -
Creation of a new tariff
Jackson introduced the idea of a lower tariff. This means that the revenue collected from the previous tariff and the sale of the public lands create the ability to quickly pay off debts. The idea of protection remained with the new tariff as well. This was done in order to attempt to keep the south calmed and peaceful.