Nullification Crisis

Treaty of Abomination

May 19, 1828

John Quincy Adams signed the treaty of abomination. The South thought this protection favored the North’s industrial industries. It left the South poorer than they already were because they relied on imported goods.

South Carolina Exposition

Oct 7, 1828

This was written to show how unhappy South Carolina was with the Tariff of 1828. They argued that States had the right to nullify the tariff as it was unconstitutional.

Hayne-Webster Debate

Jan 19, 1830

This was between Senator Daniel Webster from Massachusetts and Senator Robert Y. Hayne of South Carolina. Webster was in favor of protective tariffs and nationalism, while Hayne strongly disliked protective tariffs and was in favor of state’s rights. They also debated over slavery and western land expansion.

Tariff of 1832

Jul 13, 1832

This addressed some of the Southern grievances. It reduced some of the taxes imposed on imports. Many Southerners did not feel as if this was enough.

Ordinance of Nullification

Nov 24, 1832

This was a formal ordinance that expressed South Carolina’s displeasure with the Tariffs of 1828 and 1838. They believed they were unconstitutional so they considered them void.

Jackson's Proclamation

Dec 12, 1832

This was a proclamation made in response to the South Carolina Exposition. It asserted the supremacy of the U.S. government and warned the people that going against the union would have consequences, especially if they used armed forces as it would be considered treason.

Compromise Tariff of 1833

Mar 2, 1833

This slowly lowered the tariffs over the next decade to make amends with the southern states. This soon ended the nullification crisis. This was created by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun.

Force Bill

Mar 2, 1833

The U.S. Congress passed a bill stating that if a state refused to comply with tariffs set by the federal government, the president could use the military to enforce the tariff.