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The Tariff of 1828
The Tariff of 1828 was a high protective tariff that unexpectedly became law in the United States. It was controversial because it was believed to harm industry and farming. Added by Congress to protect American manufacturing from British imports by raising the tariff rate to nearly 50%. Raised taxes on imported goods, benefiting Northern manufacturing but angering the South, who called it the Tariff of Abominations. -
South Carolina Exposition and Protest
The document protested the Tariff of 1828, also called the Tariff of Abominations. It also included Calhoun's Doctrine of nullification, which suggests that a state can refuse to follow federal law. This idea was initially introduced by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in their Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions. Southerners argued that the tariff benefited the Northern manufacturing industry but hurt their own interests. -
Tariff of 1832
In response to the impending political battle and in an effort to appease the Southern states, Congress passed the Tariff of 1832. This new tariff lowered the rates from the previous tariff in 1828, but it still maintained a rate that was highly protectionist. However, the South Carolina legislature, freshly elected and eager to assert their state's rights, vehemently opposed this tariff and called for a state nullification convention. -
Convention meeting and passed the Ordinance of Nullification
Convention gathered, approving the Ordinance of Nullification. Ordinance declared that the protective tariffs were not authorized by the Constitution of the US and therefore had no legal effect. Convention directed all state officials to publicly declare their commitment to follow and enforce the Nullification Ordinance. Failure to comply would result in their removal from office. SC courts were instructed to ignore any Supreme Court rulings concerning the constitutionality of tariffs. -
Proclamation to the People of South Carolina
President Andrew Jackson issued a proclamation to the people of South Carolina, firmly expressing his disagreement with their assertion of a states' right to nullify a federal law. This bold declaration highlighted the ongoing debate between the federal government and individual states over the balance of power and the interpretation of the Constitution. Jackson's proclamation emphasized his belief in the supremacy of federal authority and the need for unity among the states. -
Calhoun's Resignation and States' Rights Theory
Calhoun believed that states had the authority to determine if protective tariffs were constitutional and could refuse to follow federal laws within their own borders. According to him, the US was made up of independent states working together, with the federal government serving as a representative to carry out specific goals outlined in the Constitution. In his resignation defended the rights of individual states and criticized the FD for its unconstitutional actions during that time -
Clays Compromise
Response to the ongoing disputes between the South and Jackson, Henry Clay, known as the Great Compromiser, took it upon himself to put aside his own beliefs and propose a compromise bill. This bill, known as the Tariff of 1833, reduce the Tariff of 1832 by 10% over an 8-year period. By 1842, the tariff would reach the same levels as those in 1816. angered the Northern states, as they would lose the protective benefits of the tariff for their industries. while, the South liked lower prices. -
Force Bill
After Jackson issued his proclamation, the Force Bill was a law passed by the US Congress in 1833. It allowed the president to use the military to make sure import duties were collected if a state didn't follow federal tariffs. extending the powers of the president to collect taxes, tariffs, import duties, and other revenues due to the federal government