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Tariff of Abominations
Originally known as the Tariff of 1828, Southerners named it the Tariff of Abominations. This bill was originally supported since it was meant to reduce foreign competition for American goods and trading. However, since the South depended on British imported goods and foreign trading, they voted in favor of raising the tax on foreign goods and trading to at most 50%. This was a risky move that ended in failure since the tariff managed to pass despite seriously harming farmers and merchants. -
South Carolina Exposition and Protest
Secretly written by Vice President Calhoun, this document stated the state's grievances. This document declared the Tariff unconstitutional and that the states had the right to void federal acts if they considered it to be against the Constitution. It furthered the nullification doctrine, which showed the idea that states had the power to nullify federal laws and acts. This document was not signed by the vice president when published. -
Hayne-Webster Debate
There was a series of debates between Hayne and Webseter in the Senate. These debates questioned the strength and meaning of the Constitution. Hayne viewed the Constitution as a treaty between the states, while Webster viewed the Constitution as an agreement between the government and the people and as the supreme law of the land. -
Jackson’s Proclamation
This proclamation was targeted toward the people of South Carolina rather than its government officials. It warned the people that they would be the ones most affected by this succession, if they continued to battle for their independence they would be considered traitors and be forced to fight against the United States. It also reinforced the superiority of the federal government, stating that the states didn't have a right to nullify acts of the national government. -
Ordinance of Nullification
This Ordinance stated that the Tariffs of 1828 and 1823 were unconstitutional, so in order to not pay for something unconstitutional South Carolina would void the act. It also stated if the federal government used military force to enforce this Tariff, they would further succeed from the Union. -
Force bill
A bill introduced that allowed the president to use military force in order to collect import taxes. Passed mainly to collect their tax money from the Tariff of 1828. This bill was in effect until the next congressional season. -
Haynes counter proclamation
Hayne's speech came shortly after Jackson's proclamation to the people of South Carolina. Haynes claimed that if the states think an act is unconstitutional then they had the right to nullify it. In response to Jackson sending the military to reinforce the tariff, he continued to have the tariff nullified. -
The Compromise Tariff
Essentially ended South Carolina's attempt to succeed by fulfilling some of its demands and compromising on others. This compromise Tariff was made with the help of Henry Clay. This tariff was set to lower the taxes of the tariff of 1828 over the next decade.