The Nullification Crisis

1828-1833

South Carolina Increasingly

reactionary and out of step with US by 1820

Only worsens in 1820s Mistrustful of

intentions of federal government

Right: Flag of South Carolina

State under siege Felt threatened by growth of

egalitarianism and democracy Southern fears of majority rule– especially

true of SC Missouri Compromise debates brought

home danger

Why? SC alone by 1830 in limiting vote to landowners SC alone as a majority black state– 66% slave by

1830 SC leaders alone in believing permanent slavery

good for nation SC leaders saw slavery as key to a virtuous

republic

Tariff of 1828 Brought SC face to

face with danger again

Majority rule forced unacceptable policy

John Calhoun Tariff of

Abominations Trying to distance

himself from it

Right: John C. Calhoun

Nullification as an idea Not new: Jefferson in 1790s South Carolina Exposition and Protest

Calhoun adds a wrinkle or two Compact theory of constitution Nullification a defense of minority rights within

union Special state conventions could nullify federal

laws

1828-1830 John Q. Adams out in

election Andrew Jackson seen

as potential ally against tariff Southerner Slave owner Opposes big

government

Jackson doesn’t do much at all

Southerners, especially Carolinians, him to take a stand

Webster-Hayne Debate (1830) Senate debate over

bill limiting land sales Source of contention

since Articles Robert Hayne speaks

against the bill Daniel Webster for

limitations Nullification comes up

Right: Daniel Webster, c.a. 1835

But, what about Jackson? Needs to be

understood in context of bad relations between Calhoun and Jackson

Jefferson’s Birthday party

Van Buren’s rise; Calhoun’s obstruction

1832: Clear that Calhoun is out Jackson retaliates for vote against Van

Buren Calhoun dropped from Democratic-

Republican ticket Van Buren elected VP

SC chooses confrontation Tariff of 1832

proposed by Jackson as election nears

South Carolina elects nullification convention anyway Declares 1828 and

1832 tariffs null and void

Prepares to raise forces to prevent tariff collection in state

Calhoun to Senate Hayne elected

governor

Critical development At this point the rest of the South chooses

not to buy in South Carolina out of the mainstream South Carolina definitely on its own

Jackson responds Privately– Wants to force issue and hang Calhoun Publicly– must try for a compromise December, 1832: Nullification Proclamation January, 1833: Congress passes Force Bill Sweetheart deal on tariff: lower to 1816 levels

over two years Comes out against tariffs for protection

Ball in Carolina’s court Ignores Jackson Agrees to proposal by

Henry Clay 1816 levels in nine

years instead of two Clay has his own

reasons Compromise of 1833

Force Bill and Clay’s tariff revision pass in March, 1833

South Carolina accepts tariff and nullifies Force Bill

Crisis over, for now

SO WHAT? Went to brink, but whole South did not buy

in on nullification Over next ten years South Carolina’s views

move into the mainstream of Southern politics

Next clash will be different Intensity of debate over slavery will only

intensify in meantime