12.2 Nullification Controversy Pgs. 239-242

One of the most important issues that plagued Jackson’s administration was states’ rights. Congress had passed a revenue tariff – a tariff designed to raise money – during Washington’s administration. Tariff Troubles

However, during Jackson’s administration, people started to disagree. Initially tariffs were used to raise revenue. This protective tariff was there to limit the import foreign goods. Tariff Troubles

American industries had been developing rapidly in the years just before the War of 1812. The Embargo Act had forced Americans to buy American made goods. Tariff Troubles

Then the blockade during the War of 1812 forced Americans to make their own products. Most of these factories were in the Middle Atlantic states such as New York or in New England. Tariff Troubles

Tariff Troubles The south however, attracted few factories. Why? Despite rapid industrial growth, most new American industries wanted protection from foreign competition. Tariff Troubles

Tariff of Abomination In 1816 Congress enacted a much stronger tariff. It was raised again in 1824 and again in 1828. Most of the protests came from southern states and other states that didn’t do much manufacturing. Because the south remained agricultural, they had to buy goods from the north or other countries.

Tariff of Abomination Southerners depended on their profits to buy goods. Since the tariffs made the south buy their supplies from the north, it increased their costs and decreased profits. Selling cotton became hard. Southerners were farming more acres this meant they needed more slaves – and slave prices were rising.

John C. Calhoun These tensions brought a stronger defense to states’ rights. South Carolina’s John Calhoun, Jackson’s VP became the leader defender of states.

John C. Calhoun South Carolina asked Calhoun to write a final report on a study of tariffs. He found that anyone could protect themselves from tariffs or other laws that might hurt them.

John C. Calhoun According to this theory, if a state declared a federal law harmful, they could declare it non- constitutional. (nullification) Calhoun believed this would satisfy the south, and the west and north could keep the status quo. He hoped this would help him win the presidency.

Webster vs. Hayne When Jackson did not pursue tariff reform, the south began bargaining with the west. The pushed the west to support the reform in return for support of free land policy.

Webster vs. Hayne In the senate debate that followed, Calhoun’s doctrine of nullification came under attack. In an 1830 speech, South Carolina senator Robert Hayne defended nullification and state sovereignty.

Webster vs. Hayne He noted that states voluntarily entered the union and had protection of their authority. Senator Daniel Webster of Massachusetts attacked nullification point by point. Webster argued that the people, not the states established the union.

Webster vs. Hayne He said that nullification would lead to the end of the union. If you believe a law in unconstitutional, take to the Supreme Court. – “Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable.”

Calhoun and Jackson Clash Jackson had not taken sides. He had a deep respect for states rights, but to Jackson nullification was out of the question. In April 1830 at a dinner in honor of Thomas Jefferson, Jackson looked at Calhoun and said: “Our Federal Union: it must and shall be preserved.” Calhoun responded: “The Union! Next to our liberty most dear.”

Calhoun and Jackson Clash The event was a sign of a growing rift between Jackson and Calhoun Calhoun eventually resigned as VP. Calhoun became a Senator and led the fight for state rights.

A Time of Crisis The issue of state’s rights simmered dangerously for another 2 years until it boiled over in 1832. The tariff did gain some support in the south and the west because it was lower than the 1828 tariff.

A Time of Crisis When Jackson signed off on the tariff, challengers began to lose hope. South Carolina legislators called a state convention in late November and declared the tariffs “null and void.” It forbade any federal officers from collecting tariffs after February 1, 1833.

A Time of Crisis If the Federal government tried to use force, South Carolina would secede. Jackson didn’t blink, he sent a warship and a revenue cutter to Charleston, and said he would personally take the field if it came to an armed clash and threatened to hang Calhoun.

A Time of Crisis He told South Carolina in December 1832 that he understood their hardships, but they could not disrupt the constitution. Congress supported Jackson by passing a Force Bill allowing the president to use the army and navy to enforce laws.

Henry Clay saw the writing on the wall and began working with Calhoun on a compromise tariff. This tariff lowered duties gradually and by 1842, no tariff could exceed 20%. The Compromise of 1833

Congress adopted the Compromise of 1833 on March 1. Although the Union was kept together, the question of state rights remained as the south still believed they could leave the union whenever they wanted. The Compromise of 1833

12.2 Section Quiz