National Tariff Policy Between 1816 and 1832

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Part A: Plan of Investigation I will investigate the question of whether the national tariff policy between 1816 and 1832 impacted the development and acceptance of the nullification doctrine in South Carolina? I will evaluate the national tariff policy during the early 1800's and analyze how these tariffs may have impacted the acceptance and support of nullification in South Carolina. I will examine the economic conditions of South Carolina during this period and compare these conditions with the development of nullification as a political tool. I will also review the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions to look at early examples of state sovereignty. I will conduct internet research, review various books written at different times in history, review periodicals, including the Charleston Mercury, and review letters and speeches written by John C. Calhoun and Andrew Jackson during this period. Part B: Summary of Evidence Since the Constitution was ratified in 1787, the states have wrestled with the balance of power between the federal government and the individual states. As early as 1798 and 1799, the Kentucky and Virginia legislatures passed resolutions to oppose the Alien and Sedition Acts passed by Congress. While the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions did not use the word “nullification,” the resolutions challenged the power of the federal government. After the War of 1812, cheaper British manufactured goods poured into American markets. In order to protect American “infant industries” from British competition, Congress passed a protective tariff in 1816. Proponents of the tariff reasoned that, without some protection, American would always be in the position of supplying raw materials (such as cotton) in ret... ... middle of paper ... ... Part E: Conclusion The federal tariff policy definitely played a what kind of role in the development and acceptance of nullification in South Carolina. In fact, in “South Carolina’s Exposition and Protest,” John C. Calhoun specifically pointed to the unjust and oppressive nature of the tariffs to justify his nullification theories. Without doubt, South Carolina’s economy clearly suffered during 1816 to 1832 as the price of cotton fell and the prices of imports rose. Whether justified or not, many South Carolinians blamed the federal tariffs in part because of the exaggerated and emotional reports of the press, Hayne, and McDuffie. Because their economic interests were impaired, South Carolinians were looking for something to blame and a way to respond. The federal tariff policy was an easy target, and nullification provided a dramatic way to take action.

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