Nullification Crisis

Tariff of Abominations

1828

The Tariff of Abominations was a protective tariff that helped local businesses, and supported growing industries; the tariffs would raise the cost of imported goods. Northern and Western agricultural life was very well protected, and therefore the profits that came from this benefited both regions. The southern states, in significance South Carolina, were not in favor of the tariff because they felt as if it only benefited the Northern manufacturers, and left SC (an agricultural state) poorer.

South Carolina Exposition and Protest

Dec 19, 1828

Vice President (at the time) John C. Calhoun, declared the South Carolina Exposition and Protest, which gave authorization to states and citizens to nullify the oppression of the national legislation/federal law. This allowed South Carolina to protest against the Tariff of Abominations, and publicly state their thoughts on their rights; the protest did succeed in pressuring Jackson to revise the Tariff in 1828.

Ordinance of Nullification

Nov 24, 1832

The Ordinance of Nullification ordered all of the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 to be unjust, null, and void, within the state of South Carolina. The state suspended the collection of duties and strengthened/raised the militia within state borders. The citizens now had a document that allowed them to protest the legislation of the federal government. South Carolina urged to become independent and isolated itself from the rest of the nation, which angered Jackson.

Proclamation to the People of South Carolina (Nullification Proclamation)

Dec 10, 1832

The Proclamation to the People of South Carolina was Jackson's attempt to get the citizens of South Carolina to stop protesting and remain in the US government. In this proclamation, Jackson stated all the reasons why he believed that the Nullification was unconstitutional and destructive of the national beliefs. He wanted the citizens to stay with the union because if not he warned them a potential Civil War could start.

Force Bill

Mar 1, 1833

After the Proclamation to the People of South Carolina, the Force Bill was enacted which basically gave the president authority to use as much military power/force to pass any federal tariffs onto the citizens. It also gave the president authority to, pressure "custom duties" to be paid in cash and in a limited amount of time. However, this angered several people because they claimed it was unjust and unconstitutional, especially SC which eventually retreated.

Compromise Tariff

Mar 5, 1833

The Compromise Tariff was a compromise that placed an end to the Nullification Crisis, the document was written by Henry Clay and was accepted by SC, and passed by Calhoun. This document also increased sectionalism because it allowed the Southern states to protect their interest; allowed the federal law to use weapons and military power to enforce laws.