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South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification
South Carolina declared the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 null and void within the state borders, leading to a direct challenge to federal authority. -
South Carolina Exposition and Protes
Vice President John C. Calhoun anonymously authored this document, arguing that states had the right to nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional. -
Tariff of Abominations
The U.S. Congress passed the Tariff of 1828, also known as the Tariff of Abominations, which imposed high duties on imported goods, angering Southern states who felt it unfairly favored Northern industries. -
Webster-Hayne Debate
A famous debate in the Senate between Daniel Webster of Massachusetts and Robert Y. Hayne of South Carolina, focusing on states’ rights versus national power -
jackson’s Proclamation to the People of South Carolina
President Andrew Jackson issued a proclamation asserting the supremacy of the federal government and warning against secession. -
Tariff of 1832
Congress passed a new tariff to reduce the rates from the Tariff of 1828, but it did not go far enough to satisfy Southern states, particularly South Carolina. -
Force Bill
Congress passed the Force Bill, authorizing President Jackson to use military force if necessary to enforce federal tariffs in South Carolina. -
Compromise Tariff of 1833
Proposed by Henry Clay, this tariff gradually reduced the rates over the next decade, easing tensions and leading South Carolina to repeal its nullification ordinance.