Jackson-the Nullification Crisis
The Nullification Crisis
• Nullify means: to cancel, to end. Example: The students
fought to nullify fire drills in cold weather.
• Nullification Crisis:
--Conflict between John Calhoun and Andrew Jackson
over a high tax on imports (foreign goods) passed in 1828
that increased since 1816
--also an conflict between states’ rights vs. national
government
--Tariff of 1828—known as Tariff of Abominations
Calhoun’s South Carolina Exposition &
Protest (1828)
• Written anonymously; was Jackson’s VP
• Why did Calhoun call the tariff the Tariff of Abomination?
• --as man of South Carolina, Calhoun thought the tariff
was punishing the South. It punished the South who
looked to get manufactured goods at a cheap price from
foreign countries such as England.
• Believed that states did not have to follow the Federal law that
violated their states’ rights or way of life (Remember VA and KY
Resolutions?)
Webster-Hayne Debate: Calhoun’s
proposal is debated in Congress
Robert Hayne –
So. Carolina
Daniel Webster - Mass
VS.
Nullification makes the
Union a “rope of sand!” NO
TO NULLIFCATION-AGAINST THE
CONSTITUTION
Nullification allows
individual states to protect
their interests! YES TO
NULLIFICATION-STATES’ RIGHTS
Where does Jackson stand on this issue?
Revealed at the annual Jefferson Day
Dinner -
Jackson: “Our Union: It must be
preserved!”
Calhoun: The Union,
next to our liberty, most
dear!”
Civil War? US v So Carolina?
• TEMPORARY FIX: Tariff of 1832-- Lowered rates to
the level of the 1824 tariff
• South Carolina STILL not satisfied → nullification of
tariff approved by South Carolina convention!
• President Jackson→ president must enforce laws!
• JACKSON’ REACTION –He signs the Force Bill-stated either southern states follow the tariff or he
would send troops
Henry Clay to the rescue
• Introduces a
compromise tariff –
lowers rates gradually
over a period of 10 years
Crisis over?
• So Carolina accepted the compromise tariff, but
nullified the Force Bill!
Nothing has been solved! South Carolina STILL
believes in the right to nullify an act of Congress!