Why did southerners resist the increase tariff in 1828 are you in it should be nullified

Answer 1

Many Southerners strongly resisted the increase in tariff imposed by the Tariff of 1828, also known as the Tariff of Abominations. The main reason behind this resistance was the belief that the tariff disproportionately favored Northern manufacturing and industrial interests at the expense of Southern agricultural interests. Here are some specific reasons for the Southern resistance:

1. Economic Impact: The Southern economy heavily relied on agriculture, particularly cotton and tobacco. The higher tariff meant increased prices on imported goods and manufacturing equipment needed for their agricultural operations. This meant that Southern farmers and planters had to pay more for essential goods while receiving lower prices for their exports, which adversely affected their profits. They saw this as unjust and detrimental to their economic wellbeing.

2. Sectional Disparities: Southerners viewed the tariff as another example of the growing sectional disparities between the North and the South within the United States. They believed that the North was using its political power to exploit the South economically. The tariff was seen as a means for the Northern industrialists to protect their manufacturing industry and maintain dominance in the national economy.

3. Nullification Doctrine: In response to the tariff, some Southerners, particularly in South Carolina, embraced the idea of nullification. Nullification was the belief that states had the right to declare federal laws within their borders null and void if they deemed them unconstitutional. This idea was rooted in the belief of states' rights and was seen as a way to resist what Southerners perceived as an unfair federal policy.

4. Political Discontent: The tariff issue also sparked political discontent among Southerners. They felt that their political representation and influence in Congress were diminishing, and the tariff further contributed to their frustration. This discontent would eventually contribute to the widening divide between the North and the South, leading to the eventual secession and the American Civil War.

It is worth noting that as the debate continued, some compromises were reached to appease the Southern opposition. For example, the Tariff of 1832 slightly reduced the tariff rates from the Tariff of 1828, but it was still not satisfactory to many Southerners. Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the tariff issue contributed to the ongoing tensions between the North and the South.