key term - Tariff of Abominations

Definition

The Tariff of Abominations refers to the Tariff of 1828, which raised duties on imported goods to protect Northern industries but significantly harmed Southern economies. This controversial tariff became a catalyst for regional tensions, particularly between the North and South, and underscored the ongoing debates over federal power and states' rights during Andrew Jackson's presidency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Tariff of Abominations was enacted on May 19, 1828, and was met with fierce opposition from Southern states, particularly South Carolina.
2. The tariff increased duties on a wide range of goods, including textiles and iron, which angered Southern planters who relied on imports.
3. In response to the tariff, South Carolina declared it null and void within its borders in 1832, leading to the Nullification Crisis.
4. President Andrew Jackson viewed the nullification as a threat to the union and asserted federal authority by proposing military action against South Carolina if necessary.
5. The tariff was eventually reduced through the Compromise Tariff of 1833, but it set a precedent for future disputes over state versus federal power.

Review Questions

• How did the Tariff of Abominations contribute to the growing sectional tensions between the North and South?
  • The Tariff of Abominations heightened sectional tensions by favoring Northern industrial interests at the expense of Southern agricultural economies. Southerners felt that the tariff unfairly taxed them while benefiting Northern manufacturers, leading to resentment toward the federal government. This economic disparity fueled debates over states' rights versus federal power, setting the stage for further conflicts that would culminate in the Civil War.
• Evaluate the impact of the Tariff of Abominations on Andrew Jackson's presidency and his approach to federal power.
  • The Tariff of Abominations significantly impacted Andrew Jackson's presidency by forcing him to confront issues surrounding federal authority and states' rights. Jackson's administration took a strong stance against nullification, demonstrating his commitment to preserving the union. His response to South Carolina's defiance illustrated his belief in a strong federal government while also showcasing his populist appeal by aligning with ordinary citizens affected by economic disparities.
• Analyze how the Tariff of Abominations set a precedent for future conflicts over federal authority in America.
  • The Tariff of Abominations set a significant precedent for future conflicts regarding federal authority by highlighting the contentious nature of tariffs as a means of economic protectionism. The intense backlash from Southern states illustrated how economic policies could lead to broader challenges against federal legislation. This conflict foreshadowed later issues such as states' rights arguments leading up to the Civil War, as well as ongoing debates about federal versus state power that would continue throughout American history.

Related terms

Nullification Crisis:

A political crisis during the early 1830s in which South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariffs, asserting states' rights against what they viewed as unfair federal legislation.

Sectionalism:

The division of the United States into different regions, each with distinct economic interests and cultural identities, often leading to conflicts over policies like tariffs.

Andrew Jackson:

The seventh President of the United States who championed populism and faced challenges regarding federal authority, particularly concerning economic policies and sectional tensions.