Nullification Crisis

South Carolina Exposition and Protest

1828

In December, Jackson's vice president, John C. Calhoun wrote anonymously in the South Carolina Exposition and Protest that the tariff was unconstitutional. Due to the fact that he decided this, he also said that the states did not have to follow what was in the tariff. This protest created the idea that the states do in fact have the right to go against the federal law. This is also a nod back to the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions.

Tariff of Abominations

1828

The act's main goal was to raise the tax on imports so there would be less foreign competition in trade, which was passed in May. However, the Southerners, mostly in the agricultural part of South Carolina, believed it made the Northern manufacturers richer and left them poorer because it only helped the Northerners and did nothing but hurt the Southerners' economy. It ended with Jefferson choosing to side with the Federal government instead of the states, which showed support for the Union.

Charleston

1832

South Carolina's attempt at nullification and threats is what led Jackson to send seven small naval vessels to Charleston. Later, he would also state that South Carolina is on the edge of committing treason. Jackson also stated that he would bring the US Army if needed to enforce the law.

The Tariff Act of 1832

Apr 13, 1832

This was a bill passed by Congress and signed by Jackson that was supposed to help mend the relationships between South Carolina and the Federal government. It, however, did not do that at all.

Ordinance of Nullification

Dec 10, 1832

This was passed by Congress to say that the Tariffs of 1828 and 1832 were unconstitutional. This led to laws being passed in order for the ordinance to be followed, such as raising the military. This is what began the Nullification Crisis and also helped establish the basis of the Confederate ideology.

Clay's tariff bill

1833

This was a bill that stated that all duties that went over 20% of the value of that good had to be lowered yearly for every year until it would be the same tariff as it was in 1816. This was accepted by South Carolina and marked the end of the Nullification Crisis.

The Force Act

Mar 1, 1833

This was made at the same time as Clay's tariff bill. It gave the president the right to use military forces in order to help enforce laws. It was only supposed to be in power until the end of the next Congress session.