Nullification Crisis

South Carolina Exposition and Protest

1828

The South Carolina Exposition and Protest was written by John C. Calhoun in response to the Tariff of Abominations. The document argued that the states had the right of nullification to any law deemed unconstitutional made by the federal government. Calhoun stated that the tariff was an unfair benefit to the North's industrial aspects and it was at the expense of the South's agriculture. He warned the readers that if the federal government were to continue this, it would lead to succession.

Tariff of Abominations

1828

The Tariff of Abominations was a tariff that was put in place to protect industry in the Northern region of the United States with the taxation of imported goods. It had a negative impact on the Southern economy because that region immensely relied on importation. This tariff led to the Nullification Crisis as South Carolina threatened to break the union if the federal government tried to force the tariff.

Tariff of 1832

Jul 14, 1832

The Tariff of 1832 was a tariff that Congress passed to prevent conflict created by reducing the high rates that came with the enforcement of the Tariff of Abominations. The Tariff did not satisfy South Carolina and other southern states enough by lowering the states' duties as the southern states believed that the tariffs had an unfair benefit to the North and their industries.

Ordinance of Nullification

Nov 25, 1832

The Ordinance of Nullification was passed by the South Carolina Convention and it declared both tariffs of 1828 and 1832 void within South Carolina. South Carolina claimed that these tariffs were heavily unconstitutional and they shouldn't be forced in the state. The Ordinance threatened that South Carolina would break the Union if the government attempted to force the tariffs upon the state and this heightened tensions leading to the Nullification Crisis. (Took place on the 24th)

Jackson's Proclamation to South Carolina

Dec 10, 1832

Andrew Jackson issued this proclamation to South Carolina as a response to the Nullification Crisis. In this proclamation, he states that nullification was going to damage the union and that it was very unconstitutional. He stated the importance of preserving the union and he warned that disunion with armed force could be necessary but it's treason. This proclamation was a message to South Carolina that the federal government would not put up with actions that threatened the unity of the Nation.

Hayne's resignation

Dec 13, 1832

Robert Y. Hayne resigned from the U.S. Senate to govern South Carolina. Hayne was a strong advocate for the states' rights and their nullification. He pushed South Carolina to adopt the Ordinance of Nullification that declared the federal tariffs of both 1828 and 1832 void. By governing South Carolina, he took a stance against what the state thought was unfair and unconstitutional.

Force Bill

Mar 2, 1833

The Force Bill was passed by Congress and it gave President Jackson the authority to use armed force to ensure that there would be compliance with federal tariffs. It was a direct response to South Carolina and when they declared the tariffs to be null and void within the state. This bill ensured a preserved union by granting Jackson authority for a militia force.

Compromise Tariff

Mar 2, 1833

The Compromise Tariff was made by Henry Clay and John. C Calhoun and it was made to hopefully resolve the nullification crisis by gradually reducing high duties enforced by the tariff of 1832. It was designed to ease the economic hardships placed on the southern States to benefit the Northern States industry-wise. South Carolina was satisfied and repealed its Ordinance of Nullification and conflict was avoided.