Southerners resisted the increased tariff of 1828, often referred to as the "Tariff of Abominations," due to its significant economic impact on their region. This tariff raised duties on imported goods, which primarily benefited Northern industries while imposing higher costs on Southern consumers and agricultural producers who relied on imported goods and sought to sell their cotton and other products in global markets.
The Southern economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly cotton production, which meant that they often exported raw materials and imported finished goods. Higher tariffs made these imported goods more expensive, squeezing the purchasing power of Southern consumers and jeopardizing the economic interests of Southern planters who faced retaliation from foreign markets if they raised prices on their cotton.
Furthermore, there was a growing concern among Southerners about the rising power of the federal government and the potential for it to favor Northern industrial interests over Southern agricultural ones. They argued for the principle of state sovereignty and the right to nullify federal laws that they believed were harmful to their interests. This led to the doctrine of nullification, which was championed by figures like John C. Calhoun in opposition to the tariff.
In summary, Southern resistance to the tariff stemmed from economic self-interest, fears of federal overreach, and concerns about regional inequality, leading them to argue that the tariff should be nullified.
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