Nullification Crisis

Tariff of Abominations

1828

The Tariff of Abominations, enacted in 1828, was a highly controversial tariff law in the United States. It imposed high import taxes on a wide range of goods, particularly manufactured products, in an effort to protect and promote American industry. However, it disproportionately affected the Southern states, which relied heavily on agriculture and trade, as they had to pay higher prices for imported goods and faced reduced demand for their exports. Southern states would go on to protest.

South Carolina Exposition and Protest

Dec 19, 1828

The South Carolina Exposition and Protest, penned by Vice President John C. Calhoun in 1828, was a significant political document in the lead-up to the Nullification Crisis. It articulated the doctrine of nullification, asserting that individual states had the right to declare federal laws, like the Tariff of Abominations, null and void if they believed these laws violated the Constitution. This intensified debate over state and federal powers and led to a national crisis that threatened union.

Ordinance of Nullification

1832

The Ordinance of Nullification, enacted by South Carolina in 1832, declared the federal tariffs of 1828 and 1832 null and void within the state's borders, asserting the right of states to reject federal laws they deemed unconstitutional. It was a pivotal moment in the Nullification Crisis and a challenge to federal authority. This act led to a political stand-off that threatened the unity of the states. The act was led by John C. Calhoun who wanted to protect South Carolina's economic interests.

Tariff of 1832

Jul 14, 1832

The Tariff of 1832, enacted as a response to the controversy surrounding the high tariffs of the Tariff of Abominations, aimed to reduce certain import duties. While it alleviated some of the concerns of those who had opposed the earlier tariff, it didn't go far enough in the eyes of South Carolina and other Southern states. This dissatisfaction with the tariff was a major catalyst for the Nullification Crisis, as South Carolina declared the right to nullify the tariff within its borders.

Proclamation to the people of South Carolina

Dec 10, 1832

The Proclamation to the People of South Carolina, issued by President Andrew Jackson, was a decisive response to South Carolina's Ordinance of Nullification. In this proclamation, Jackson firmly rejected the state's claim that it could nullify federal laws, emphasizing the supremacy of federal authority. Jackson's proclamation declared nullification to be unconstitutional and a threat to the Union, stating that it would not be tolerated. This proclamation caused SC to reconsider its stance.

Force Bill

1833

This bill granted President Andrew Jackson the ability to employ military force if required to ensure the enforcement of federal laws. The Force Bill, along with the Compromise Tariff of 1833 and Jackson's Proclamation to the People of South Carolina, played a significant role in diffusing the crisis. While the use of military force was not ultimately necessary, the passage of the Force Bill underscored the federal government's commitment to maintaining the Union and the rule of federal law.

The Compromise Tariff of 1833

Mar 2, 1833

This legislative compromise was designed to address South Carolina's concerns about the high tariffs that had been a source of economic strain for the state, particularly its agrarian economy. By gradually lowering the tariffs, it provided economic relief for South Carolina and other Southern states while maintaining the principle of federal authority and the supremacy of federal law. This tariff was proposed by Henry Clay who said the tariffs would be lowered over a period of ten years.