Nullifivation crisis 5

Toward the end of his first term, President Jackson faced issues with South Carolina regarding the protective tariff, which many in the state felt only benefited Northern manufacturers and made the South poorer. John C. Calhoun, Jackson's vice president, had argued for the right of states to nullify unfair national laws. In 1832, although Congress passed a revised tariff, it did not satisfy South Carolina, leading the state to adopt an Ordinance of Nullification against the tariffs of 1828 and 1832. Jackson responded by sending naval vessels to Charleston and issued a proclamation warning against insurrection.

To resolve the conflict, Senator Henry Clay proposed a compromise tariff that would gradually reduce duties, while Congress passed a Force Act allowing military enforcement of laws. South Carolina expected support from other Southern states, but found itself alone and eventually rescinded its nullification. Both sides claimed victory, with Jackson defending the Union and South Carolina achieving many of its demands.