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Tariff of Abominations
The Tariff of 1828, also known as the Tariff of Abomination by Southern farmers, was created in order to protect growing industries in the United States. The cost of imports rose due to this tariff, making sure that the citizens would buy from the domestic industries, rather than foreign. Manufacturers in Middle and Northeastern states desired this tariff, as well as Western farmers, but Southern farmers who were dependent on trade with Great Britain were not happy. -
South Carolina Exposition and Protest
Due to the Tariff of 1828, many Southerners were protesting, they did this through various newspapers and town meetings. On December 19, 1828, the state legislator started issuing the South Carolina Exposition and Protest, which stated that the tariff was unconstitutional. He argued that this tariff exceeded the federal government's power. This tariff was drafted by John C. Calhoun and stated the grievances from South Carolina, as well as furthering the nullification doctrine. -
Tariff Act of 1832
Due to the uproar of angry citizens in the South, especially South Carolina, President Andrew Jackson proposed to bring down, or lower the tariff from what it was before. Revenue from the Tariff of 1828 was so high that the federal government was able to pay off all debts, which made it the only time that the government had no debt. While the new tariff brought down the cost, it still was high enough that it protected those domestic industries. -
South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification
Due to the Tariff Acts of 1828 and 1832, The Convention of the People of South Carolina, came together in Columbia on November 19, 1832. On November 24, they endorsed the South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification, which stated that Congress exceeded their constitutional authority. It also stated that the state declared the tariffs "null and void," as well as adding that if the military was put against South Carolina, that they would "organize a separate government." -
Nullification Proclamation
Because of South Carolina's actions in declaring the Tariff Acts as "null and void," President Andrew Jackson issued the Nullification Proclamation. The Proclamation denied the states' right to say that any law under the federal government was unconstitutional. He called the action treason and threatened to hang anyone who went against him. -
Force Bill
The Force Bill was a law that was passed by Congress that gave the president the power to be able to use military force in order to get the states to comply with the federal tariffs that were being passed. It was passed after South Carolina declared that the state would be treating the Tariff Acts of 1828 and 1832 as null and void. Because of this law, President Jackson was able to force the state to accept the bill and stay in the Union. No other states supported South Carolina's decision. -
The Compromise
Henry Clay managed to pass the Tariff of 1833, which reduced the rates over the next ten years. With no aid from any of the other states, South Carolina accepted the tariff but in protest, nullified the Force Bill. Even though the Force Bill was nullified, Jackson ignored it nullification. The bill stayed in effect and was used again later when South Carolina tried to secede again.