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The Tariff of 1824
This tariff was created to make American products more desirable than cheaper, more durable British goods. The products it targeted were crops, cotton, textiles, and iron products. This was the first step in creating more tariffs and an increased sense of sectionalism in the country. It was seen as an attack on the South by the North. -
The Tariff of 1828
This "Tariff of Abominations" was passed by Congress to protect Northern industries and factories. Southerners grew agitated at this, as it was obviously biased. A tax of 38% was levied on 92% of British goods. This was dangerous because after seeing this, the British could easily retaliate with a high American tariff. -
The South Carolina Exposition
The South Carolina Exposition was written anonymously by Vice President John C. Calhoun, who strongly opposed Jackson's militaristic presidency. South Carolina threatened secession if the tariff wasn't repealed. The ideas Calhoun represented were inspired by the Kentucky and Virginia Resolves. -
The Tariff of 1832
This tariff was passed by the House of Representatives, including John Quincy Adams. It attempted to reduce the previous "Tariff of Abominations", but wasn't enough to satisfy the South. -
South Carolina Nullification
South Carolina, led by John C. Calhoun, declared the 1828 and 1832 tariffs null and void within the state. The South, especially South Carolina, was hit hard economically by the tariff. Jackson was angry with the nullification and the idea of secession and decided to threaten the state with the full force of the army. -
Jackson's Proclamation Against Nullification
Jackson, who ardently opposed Calhoun and the nullification theory, retaliated against the Nullification Bill with this Proclamation, saying that the nullification was unconstitutional. He threatened to use military force to keep South Carolina from seceding. -
Hayne's Counter Proclamation
The President's proclamation was met with Hayne's counter proclamation. Hayne was a governor of South Carolina, and wrote his counter proclamation to explain that a state should be able to nullify a federal law if it is deemed oppressive. South Carolina was on the brink of war as the state continued the voiding of the tariffs, despite Jackson's military force. -
Force Bill
The Force Bill was passed by the Congress to prevent obstruction of justice when collecting import duties. It gave President Jackson use of the army and navy when collecting these duties. South Carolina nullified this soon after, thinking that it encroached on state's rights and was outright tyrannical. -
Clay's Compromise
Henry Clay negotiated a slow removal of the tariffs that so many states opposed. This way the federal government would still make money and the states that opposed the tariffs would slowly get their wish. South Carolina's reaction to the tariffs could have easily started the first civil war, and the reaction on Jackson's part was marginally undemocratic. -
South Carolina Repeal of Nullification
Now that Henry Clay negotiated a slow repeal of the different tariffs, South Carolina had won a small victory for states' rights. However, this fight only deepened the rift between the North and the South.
