tariffs
Recall, that a tariff is a tax on imports, products coming into the United States from another country. Tariffs make foreign-made products more expensive in the U.S., and thus encourages Americans to buy American-made products because they are cheaper.
The tariff of 1828 - the 'tariff of abominations'
The South resented (disliked) all tariffs. The South resented these taxes for two reasons. Firstly, the South relied so much on imports for their everyday products and many of these products became more expensive because of tariffs. The second reason is that once the United States raised tariffs on foreign products, other countries retaliated by raising their tariffs on products we tried to sell to them. Since the South made most of their money selling cotton and surplus food to Europe, this "tariff war" was devastating to their economy. This anger was clearly seen with the passage of what the South called the “Tariff of Abominations.”
Examine the map above. How does this map show growing sectionalism in the country regarding tariffs?
the nullification crisis
states' rights vs. federal supremacy
In 1830, there was famous debate regarding the nature of the federal government under the Constitution between Daniel Webster of Massachusetts and Robert Hayne of South Carolina. Webster attacked the idea that any state could defy or leave the Union, or nullify a federal law they disagreed with. Hayne, a southerner, disagreed.
Following the famous Webster-Hayne debate, President Jackson declared his own position in a toast at a political dinner. “Our federal union,” he declared, “it must be preserved.” In other words, Jackson was saying that he did not believe any state could defy the federal government. However, his own Vice President, John C. Calhoun, who happened to be from South Carolina, immediately responded with another toast, “The Union, next to our liberties, most dear!” Here, Calhoun was showing his belief in states' rights to nullify federal laws they felt violated their rights.
Following the famous Webster-Hayne debate, President Jackson declared his own position in a toast at a political dinner. “Our federal union,” he declared, “it must be preserved.” In other words, Jackson was saying that he did not believe any state could defy the federal government. However, his own Vice President, John C. Calhoun, who happened to be from South Carolina, immediately responded with another toast, “The Union, next to our liberties, most dear!” Here, Calhoun was showing his belief in states' rights to nullify federal laws they felt violated their rights.
In 1832, Calhoun’s South Carolina turned up the war of words by holding a special convention to nullify not only the Tariff of Abominations of 1828, but also a new tariff law of 1832. The South Carolina state convention passed a resolution banning the collection of tariffs within the state. Jackson’s reaction to this convention was quick and decisive. He told his Secretary of War to prepare for military action in South Carolina to enforce the federal tariff laws. He persuaded Congress to pass the Force Bill giving the president the authority to take military action in South Carolina to collect the tax. The president also issued a Proclamation to the People of South Carolina stating that nullification and disunion were treason.
But federal troops did not need to march to enforce the tax. Jackson, rather surprisingly given his personality and track record, opened the door for compromise by suggesting that Congress lower the tariff and ease the tensions. South Carolina was swayed. They postponed nullification and later formally rescinded it after Congress enacted a new tariff along the lines suggested by the President. Jackson’s strong defense of federal authority forced the militant advocates of states’ rights to retreat.
But federal troops did not need to march to enforce the tax. Jackson, rather surprisingly given his personality and track record, opened the door for compromise by suggesting that Congress lower the tariff and ease the tensions. South Carolina was swayed. They postponed nullification and later formally rescinded it after Congress enacted a new tariff along the lines suggested by the President. Jackson’s strong defense of federal authority forced the militant advocates of states’ rights to retreat.