South Carolina tried Succesion?

[DJ Palama]

I've come across this before, that John Calhoun threatened that S. Carolina would succed if Jackson would place a federal tax. It was put down by some US regulars and milita. Is there anything else that occured with this?

[Robert Braun]

dj said:

I've come across this before, that John Calhoun threatened that S. Carolina would succed if Jackson would place a federal tax. It was put down by some US regulars and milita. Is there anything else that occured with this?

The so-called "Nullificiation Crisis" came about as a rejection by South Carolina of the Tarriff of 1832, which attempted to levy taxes ("tarriffs") on goods imported into the state. Few folks realize that before the Civil War, the only way the U. S. Government got money to run its affairs was through custom duties and tarriffs. SC and its fiery senator John C. Calhoun determined to "nullify" those Federal laws it didn't like, and the Tarriff of 1832 was #1 on the "Don't Like" list. President Jackson saw this act as a threat to federalism and treason. While I don't know if he sent federal troops or called up any militia, I do know that he sent warships to Charleston, and strengthened local federal forts and installations. Jackson even got a Force Bill passed to deal with SC. This measure allowed jackson to use troops to enforce the tarriff.

Eventually, Henry Clay (of "I'd rather be right than be president" fame) crafted a brilliant compromise known as the Tarriff of 1833, passed the same day as the Force Bill. This new bill gradually reduced the tarriff over ten years to 1816 levels. Calhoun, who realized that no other states would join him in his nullification movement, wisely accepted the compromise, and SC repealed the nullification measure.

SC then proceeded to nullify the Force Bill, an "in your face" move that Jackson was smart to ignore.

It was Andrew Jackson that coined the famous phrase "Our Federal Union: it must and shall be preserved" as a toast at a state dinner after the crisis passed. Calhoun rose and reportedly responded: "Our Federal Union: next to our liberties most dear."

With all this going on, plus the mounting political arguements over the U. S. Bank, it's easy to see how Jackson was miffed at this "minor" indian threat in the western country that simply wouldn't go away...

Regards,

Bob Braun

Postscript. South Carolina's threat to seceed was not new. Several New England states mulled the question of secession during the early days of the War of 1812. Even Wisconsin's first war governer Alexander Randall threatened to contemplate secession in 1861 if the Federal Government did not prosecute the war against the Southerners with more vigor. r.

[pshrake]

The nullification crisis of 1833 is a really facinating story. For a good account find a copy of Robert Remini's Biography, either the 3 volume set or the 1 volume abridgement.

As I remember it, the real center of the crisis was Charlston, no federal troops were sent there but I think there were a few already stationed at Fort Moultrie. Winfield Scott was sent there to negotiate matters and local militia/armed mobs rallied into both pro union and pro seccesion camps. It was a real powderkeg that was only averted by the Force Bill, Clays comprimise, and the diplomacy of Winfield Scott.

An interesting post script to the story though is that Jackson's Force Bill was later used by Lincoln to call up the first volunteers at the start of the war and Calhouns writings on nullification was a basis for the secession movement of 1861.

Which brings to mind perhaps the best work on the subject by William Freeling, titled "Prelude to Civil War."

Pete

[richw]

Although some of the information is dated, I would also recommend James Parton's The Life of Andrew Jackson (Boston, 1866), 3 volumes. It is one of the most fact-packed works I have ever read.

I also like Remini's work, although the abridged version is a bit skimpy.

Freeling's title is apt, since Jackson was more than willing to use Federal troops to maintain Federal authority in Charleston.

Help me out here Pete, weren't Charlestonians (?) forming armed units to resist Federal intervention?

BTW, the South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification, November 24, 1832 can be found HERE:
www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/sc/ordnull.htm

[DJ Palama]

robertbraun said:

South Carolina's threat to seceed was not new. Several New England states mulled the question of secession during the early days of the War of 1812. Even Wisconsin's first war governer Alexander Randall threatened to contemplate secession in 1861 if the Federal Government did not prosecute the war against the Southerners with more vigor. r.

Don't forget about the Mormon Rebellion in the 1850s, in which Utah Terr. was going to suceed as well.

[pshrake]

Hi Rich,

Yes Charlstonians were arming themselves in anticipation of a possible federal intervention. I would have to check my facts but there was a growing armed union faction as well led by Joel Poinsett.

I would also agree that Parton is a great read. In his bibliographical essay to his biography Remini is pretty emphatic on his work. Dated though it may be, it is one of the only sources on many Jackson anectodes and facts, primarily because Parton was able to actually interview many of those who personally knew the man.

Pete