-
Tariff of 1828 (Abominations)
The Tariff of 1828 was a protective tariff against the rapidly growing industry in the U.S. It placed a tax on imported goods to reduce the competition with foreign nations regarding manufacturing. This tax raised the cost of living in the South, which led them to believe that the tariff was only put in place to benefit the North at the expense of the South. This caused the South to deem it unconstitutional and plan for nullification. -
Senator Hayne's nullification speech
In his speech, Hayne explains how the "worst enemy" of the union are those who sacrifice the rights of a certain group for political and economic gain. He further explain how the federal government seems to be subversive to the opinion and independence of the states. He believed that if the federal government can create the limits of its own authority, the states would fall under it, therefore creating a government without limitations, and leaving the states with nothing of their own. -
Senator Webster's reply speech
Webster replies to Payne by first saying that he does not agree with the states being able to nullify a congressional law if it violates the Constitution. He felt that under no circumstance should a state interfere with laws of Congress because it would result in a revolution. The then goes on to explain how far the union has come and all the progress it made, and then ends with a prayer to God to keep the union together forever. -
Tariff of 1832 (Protectionist Tariff)
This tariff was a revision of the Tariff of 1828, but it did little to ease the tension within South Carolina. This new tariff reduced a few taxes but left the remaining taxes on iron, cotton, and wool high, which discouraged European exports to the South. This led to the nullification crisis. -
South Carolina's Ordinance of Nullification
In November of 1832, South Carolina adopted the Ordinance of Nullification, basically stating that the tariffs in 1828 and 1832 were unconstitutional, null and void, and that it does not apply to anyone within their state borders. They felt that the tariff was unfair to them and only benefitted the North, and they had had enough. They also threatened to secede from the Union if the tariffs were not repealed immediately, which threatened the safety of America. -
President Jackson's "Proclamation to the people of South Carolina"
Jackson's proclamation was a response to the Ordinance of nullification. He absolutely did not the potential of a war breaking out under his rule, so he decided to exercise his power and warn the people of South Carolina not to follow through. He then pointed out that the leaders of South Carolina fooled its people by telling them that this nullification would result in peace, even though all acts of dissent result in violence (and maybe war). He promotes unity among them and America. -
Compromise Tariff of 1833
This Compromise, proposed by Henry Clay and John Calhoun, lowered the tax on imported goods back to the rate it was within the Tariff of 1816.This pleased the South, which not only prevented war, but prevented them from seceding from the Union, which held American together for many years.