South Carolina Declares Tariffs Null and Void
November 24th, 1832
November 24th, 1832

How Long Ago?
192 years, 3 months, 19 days ago
Location
Columbia, South Carolina
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Andrew Jackson
- John C. Calhoun
- Robert Y. Hayne
Links & References
Tags
South Carolina Declares Tariffs Null and Void
South Carolina's legislature passed the Ordinance of Nullification, which declared the federal Tariffs of 1828 and 1832 null and void within the state. The ordinance was a direct response to the tariffs, which many South Carolinians viewed as harmful to their economy and interests, particularly regarding the cotton industry. The action solidified the state's opposition to federal authority and set the stage for escalating tensions between the state and federal government.
South Carolina's bold rejection of federal tariffs.
John C. Calhoun was a key figure in this action.
Significant tensions emerged between state and federal authority.
Set the stage for the later conflicts over states' rights.
What Happened?
In November, South Carolina's legislature convened and passed the Ordinance of Nullification, a bold declaration asserting that the federal Tariffs of 1828 and 1832 were unconstitutional and therefore null and void within the state's borders. The tariffs had been designed to protect Northern industries by imposing high duties on imported goods, but they were deeply unpopular in the agrarian South, where they were viewed as detrimental to the cotton economy. The Southern economy relied heavily on exports, and these tariffs increased the cost of goods consumed by the Southern states while limiting their exports, leading to significant economic strain. Governor Robert Y. Hayne and influential politician John C. Calhoun, a strong proponent of states' rights, spearheaded this anti-tariff sentiment, arguing that states had the sovereign right to nullify federal laws they deemed unjust.The Ordinance of Nullification effectively marked a significant turning point in the federal-state relations in the United States. It was a prelude to a larger conflict over states’ rights and federal authority, culminating in the Nullification Crisis. Within weeks, President Andrew Jackson firmly opposed South Carolina's actions, seeking to enforce federal laws and collected tariffs. The disagreement escalated, causing tensions that hinted at the larger national crises to come, especially as sectional differences over slavery and economic interests deepened.The Nullification Crisis brought about a constitutional debate on the balance of power between state and federal governments, leading to significant discussions about sovereignty and the legal concept of nullification. South Carolina’s assertions challenged the federal government’s authority, creating precedents that would be later revisited in countless conflicts, setting the stage for the Civil War, and reshaping the landscape of American governance.
Why Does it Matter?
The Ordinance of Nullification is significant as it illustrated the deepening rift between the Northern and Southern states over issues of economic policy and governance. It raised critical questions regarding states' rights versus federal authority, concerns that would resurface in various forms leading up to the Civil War. The crisis was also emblematic of the growing sectional tensions in America and set a precedent for rebellion against federal authority that would be revisited in the years to come.
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