The supremacy of the Feds over State's rights has deep roots. Andrew Jackson prevailed!
About 150 years ago (referring to the 1830s, as the Nullification Crisis occurred in 1832–1833 during Andrew Jackson's presidency), Andrew Jackson confronted what was effectively a rebellion—or at least a serious threat of armed resistance—by the state of South Carolina. The event is known as the Nullification Crisis. South Carolina, angry over high federal protective tariffs (especially the "Tariff of Abominations" of 1828 and the adjusted Tariff of 1832) that hurt the Southern economy, passed an Ordinance of Nullification in November 1832. This declared the tariffs unconstitutional and unenforceable within the state after February 1, 1833. The state convention also began military preparations, raising volunteer forces and purchasing arms, while threatening secession if the federal government tried to enforce the tariffs. Jackson viewed this as a direct challenge to federal authority and the Union itself, equating nullification with treason and rebellion. His key actions included:
Issuing the famous Proclamation to the People of South Carolina on December 10, 1832, where he strongly denounced nullification as unconstitutional, warned that it led toward disunion, and urged South Carolinians to obey federal law. He described the actions as bringing the state "to the brink of insurrection and treason."
Requesting and supporting the Force Bill (passed by Congress in March 1833), which authorized him to use military force—including federal troops and the navy—to collect the tariffs and enforce federal laws if necessary. Jackson prepared for potential conflict by positioning troops, a naval squadron near Charleston, and readying fortifications.
Jackson was prepared to use force to crush any rebellion, famously threatening (privately) to hang nullification leaders like his former vice president John C. Calhoun. The crisis was resolved peacefully through compromise:
Congress passed the Compromise Tariff of 1833 (brokered by Henry Clay), gradually lowering tariffs to satisfy Southern concerns.
South Carolina then repealed its Nullification Ordinance (though it symbolically nullified the Force Bill).
This standoff is seen as a major test of federal supremacy over states' rights, and Jackson's firm stance helped preserve the Union—for the time being—while foreshadowing the deeper conflicts that led to the Civil War decades later. In short, Jackson forcefully opposed South Carolina's nullification and threat of rebellion, issued a stern proclamation, prepared for military action, and ultimately backed down the state through a combination of threats and compromise.
Minnesota better learn history before they get even more embarrassed than they are now!
@Big girl @UT alum @DCT