Nullification Crisis from 1828 to 1833

  • Tarrif Law of 1828

    The Tariff of 1828 had been purposely drafted to make Andrew Jackson appear as a free trade advocate in the South and as a protectionist in the North.
    After enactment of this measure, Southern cotton producers became deeply alarmed when they learned of British threats to seek other markets, given that the cost of American cotton had become so high. South Carolina declared the Tariff of 1828 to be null and void and not binding on the state or its citizens.
  • John C. Calhoun

    Led a majority of South Carolina slaveholders that claimed that a state had the right to nullify or veto federal laws and secede from the Union.
  • James Hamilton, Robert Hayne, and George McDuffie

    Formed the States Rights and Free Trade Party to implement nullification after Calhoun’s break with President Andrew Jackson became final
  • Webster-Hayne Debate

    Webster - Nationalism
    Hayne - State's rights
  • Proclamation to the People of South Carolina

    Jackson warns South Carolina to not succeed from the Union
  • Compromise Tariff Law

    Gradually lowered the protective tariff rates over the next 10 years. The Compromise Tariff ended the Nullification Crisis.