Nullification process

Tariffs of abominations

May 19, 1828

The "Tariff of Abominations" was a high protective tariff passed by the U.S. Congress in 1828. It imposed significant import duties on various goods, particularly manufactured items, to protect Northern industries. However, it was strongly opposed by Southern states, which relied on agriculture and believed the tariff disproportionately burdened them. The tariff dispute escalated into the Nullification Crisis

South Carolina Exposition and Protest

Dec 7, 1828

The South Carolina Exposition and Protest was a document written by John C. Calhoun in 1828. It introduced the concept of "nullification," asserting that states had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional. This led to the Nullification Crisis and, ultimately, a compromise in 1833 to lower tariff rates.

Webster - Hayne Debate

Jan 19, 1830

The Webster-Hayne Debate was a famous 1830 Senate debate between Daniel Webster of Massachusetts and Robert Y. Hayne of South Carolina. It revolved around states' rights and the nature of the Union. Webster defended the Union, arguing it was perpetual, while Hayne supported states' rights and nullification. Webster's speeches, notably his Second Reply, eloquently defended the Union and had a lasting impact.

Tariff of 1832

Jul 13, 1832

The Tariff of 1832 was a protective tariff passed by the U.S. Congress in 1832. It was enacted as a response to the Nullification Crisis, a dispute between South Carolina and the federal government over the earlier Tariff of Abominations. The Tariff of 1832 aimed to reduce some of the tariff rates that had caused controversy in the South. However, it did not satisfy the demands of South Carolina and ultimately led to further tensions that would be resolved by the Compromise Tariff of 1833.

Jackson's Proclamation on Nullification

Dec 10, 1832

issued by President Andrew Jackson in December 1832, was a response to South Carolina's Ordinance of Nullification. In the proclamation, Jackson firmly asserted the supremacy of federal law and the Union, condemning nullification as unconstitutional and treasonous. He vowed to use force, if necessary, to enforce federal law and maintain the unity of the United States. Jackson's proclamation played a pivotal role in defusing the Nullification Crisis and affirming authority.

Tariff of 1833

1833

The Tariff of 1833, also known as the Compromise Tariff of 1833, was a piece of legislation passed by the U.S. Congress to resolve the Nullification Crisis, a conflict between the federal government and South Carolina over tariffs. The tariff significantly reduced the rates imposed by the controversial Tariff of Abominations and the Tariff of 1832, easing tensions and averting a potential crisis. It represented a compromise that helped defuse the situation by gradually lowering tariffs.

The Ordinance of Nullification

Feb 1, 1833

This ordinance declared that certain federal tariffs, particularly the Tariff of Abominations and the Tariff of 1832, were null and void within the state's borders, effectively asserting the state's right to nullify or reject federal laws it found objectionable. It marked a challenge to federal authority and contributed to a tense standoff between South Carolina and the federal government, which was ultimately resolved through a combination of political compromise and the use of the Force Bill.

The Force Bill

Mar 2, 1833

The Force Bill, enacted in 1833, authorized President Andrew Jackson to use the military to enforce federal laws, particularly tariffs, in response to South Carolina's threat to nullify those laws during the Nullification Crisis. It was part of a strategy to uphold federal authority and preserve the Union, ultimately leading to a resolution without military conflict.