The Nullification Crisis 1 Jacksons Kitchen Cabinet Jackson

1. Jackson’s Kitchen Cabinet • Jackson tended to play favorites with his inner circle

2. Peggy Eaton Affair • Jackson’s friend John Eaton married Peggy O’Neal amidst rumors

3. Calhoun Can’t Return to South Carolina • Tariff of 1828 had hurt South

4. Webster Hayne Debates • Robert Hayne – Sen. from South Carolina • upset

5. Calhoun steps down • Hayne became governor of South Carolina • Calhoun resigned

6. Jackson’s Response • Claimed any threat to secede was treason • Would be

7. Henry Clay’s Compromise • Slowly lower the tariffs to levels before 1828 •

In the End • Jackson establishes precedent in dealing with secession • South Carolina

Slides: 9

Download presentation

The Nullification Crisis

1. Jackson’s Kitchen Cabinet • Jackson tended to play favorites with his inner circle • Loosely referred to as his “Kitchen Cabinet” by Washington insiders

2. Peggy Eaton Affair • Jackson’s friend John Eaton married Peggy O’Neal amidst rumors of an affair. • Jackson sensitive about the subject after death of his wife during 1828 Election • Calhoun and wife rejected the Eatons when Jackson named him Sec. of War. • Martin Van Buren, widower, took no position on them and gained Jackson’s favor, Calhoun is out

3. Calhoun Can’t Return to South Carolina • Tariff of 1828 had hurt South Carolina economy – “tariff of abominations” • Calhoun had voted for the tariff • Proposes nullification as South Carolina solution to the tariff • Based on Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions – states have right to reject federal law. • Re-ignites debate of states’ rights

4. Webster Hayne Debates • Robert Hayne – Sen. from South Carolina • upset with northern congressmen • Felt they slowed western states from joining the union on purpose • Daniel Webster – Sen. from Massachusetts • Southerners want western states so they can form alliance • Hayne only upset because he wanted support for nullification • Debate raged for days • All senators joined sides according to regional ties

5. Calhoun steps down • Hayne became governor of South Carolina • Calhoun resigned as Vice President – took Hayne’s seat in Senate • South Carolina nullified tariff immediately • Threatened to secede from union if stopped

6. Jackson’s Response • Claimed any threat to secede was treason • Would be met with military force • Personally threatened Calhoun • No state agreed to secede with South Carolina

7. Henry Clay’s Compromise • Slowly lower the tariffs to levels before 1828 • Allow the President’s force bill that let him declare secession treason • Both bills passed on the same day

In the End • Jackson establishes precedent in dealing with secession • South Carolina threatens secession over states’ rights, not slavery • No state can resist the federal gov’t alone.