Andrew Jackson and The Nullification Issue The Nullification Issue The Webster and Hayes Debate The...

Andrew Jackson and The Nullification Issue

The Nullification Issue

The Webster and Hayes Debate

The Force Bill

John C. Calhoun

• Called the “Cast Iron Man” because of dedication to his beliefs

• Professional politician, served as Vice-President to Andrew Jackson

• Writes the South Carolina Exposition which introduces the idea of nullification

John C Calhoun

• Calhoun desired the presidency and he truly disliked Jackson. It was a battle of personalities.

• They strongly disagreed over the idea of nullification

• Both strongly supported the idea of internal improvements and the growth of the South

The Nullification Issue

• South Carolina passes a law outlawing the enforcement of the tariff

• Jackson believes that if states are allowed to nullify federal law then the Union is in danger of collapsing

• Calhoun believes that he is the defender of the Southern way of life and is determined to stand his ground.

The Nullification Issue

• In 1828 a tariff was passed which injured Southern states. Southerners call it the “Tariff of Abominations”

• The Northern states are not plagued by the tariffs or a depression

• John C. Calhoun argues that states can nullify a federal law and have the right to secede

The Webster-Hayne Debate

• Hayne argued that the Union was made up of the states and states could nullify and secede from the Union

• Webster argued people created the Constitution and laws not states and that federal government was the law of the land

The Force Bill

• Jackson responds to South Carolina’s threats by passing the Force Bill

• The Force Bill empowered Jackson to call out the army and navy to enforce federal law if Carolina refused to obey

• South Carolinians wore palmetto badges in support of secession

The Force Bill

• Congress to avoid conflict agrees to reduce the tariff but, keeps the Force Bill

• Carolina backs down on its threat to secede but, turns around and nullifies the Force Bill