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?) Southerners expect Jackson – planter and slaveholder to by sympathetic!

Webster-Hayne Debate: Calhoun’s proposal is debated in Congress Robert Hayne – So. Carolina Daniel Webster - Mass VS. Calhoun’s Exposition and Protest sets off a debate 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 Where does Jackson stand on this issue? Revealed at the annual Jefferson Day Dinner - Essential questions? Jackson does believe in states’ rights! But not at the expense of the Union! Calhoun: The Union, next to our liberty, most dear!” Jackson: “Our Union: It must be preserved!”

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 Following the procedure set out in Calhoun’s So Carolina Exposition and Protest

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!