Tariff Of Abominations Apush Definition

The Tariff of Abominations: A Deep Dive into its Impact on Antebellum America

The Tariff of 1828, infamously known as the "Tariff of Abominations," stands as a pivotal moment in pre-Civil War American history. This highly protective tariff significantly impacted the nation's economic and political landscape, exacerbating sectional tensions between the North and the South that ultimately contributed to the secession crisis and the Civil War. This article will delve into the definition of the Tariff of Abominations, explore the reasons behind its enactment, analyze its devastating consequences, and examine its lasting legacy on the American political system. Understanding this tariff is crucial to grasping the complex dynamics of antebellum America and the road to the Civil War.

Understanding the Tariff of 1828

The Tariff of 1828 was a protective tariff, meaning it aimed to protect American industries from foreign competition by imposing high duties (taxes) on imported goods. While previous tariffs had existed, the Tariff of 1828 was particularly controversial due to its exceptionally high rates. These high rates were designed to benefit Northern manufacturers, who sought to shield their products from cheaper British imports. This inherent sectionalism fueled the intense opposition from the South, who primarily relied on exporting agricultural goods and were severely impacted by the increased prices of manufactured goods they needed to import. The name "Tariff of Abominations" itself perfectly captures the Southern sentiment – it was viewed as an abomination, a deeply offensive act of economic injustice.

Key Features of the Tariff of 1828:

• High Protective Rates: The tariff imposed significantly higher duties on imported manufactured goods compared to previous tariffs.
• Sectional Disparity: It disproportionately benefited Northern manufacturers at the expense of Southern planters and farmers.
• Raw Material Exemption: While manufactured goods were heavily taxed, raw materials often needed for manufacturing were not, further benefiting Northern industry.
• Political Fallout: The tariff triggered intense political debate and heightened sectional tensions.

The Road to the Tariff of Abominations: Political Context

The Tariff of 1828 wasn't enacted in a vacuum. Several factors contributed to its passage, highlighting the complex interplay of economic interests and political maneuvering during the Jacksonian era.

• Post-War Economic Boom: Following the War of 1812, American manufacturing experienced a period of growth, but faced stiff competition from cheaper European imports. Northern manufacturers lobbied for protectionist measures to safeguard their industry.
• Rise of Industrialization: The burgeoning industrial sector in the North had significant political clout and actively pushed for higher tariffs to promote their growth.
• The Second Bank of the United States: The debate over the Second Bank of the United States played a significant role. Opponents of the bank, led by Andrew Jackson, sought alternative ways to bolster the American economy, including protective tariffs.
• Political Opportunism: The tariff was also a product of political maneuvering. The high rates were intentionally designed to make the tariff so unpopular in the South that it would force a reconsideration and potentially create political advantage for certain factions.

The South's Reaction: Nullification and Secession

The South's response to the Tariff of 1828 was immediate and intense. Southern planters relied heavily on exporting agricultural products like cotton, tobacco, and rice, and the tariff raised the cost of the manufactured goods they needed to import, significantly reducing their profit margins. This perceived economic injustice fueled a growing sense of resentment and alienation from the federal government.

Key Southern Arguments:

• Economic Exploitation: Southerners argued the tariff represented an unfair economic burden imposed by the North, forcing them to subsidize Northern industries.
• Violation of States' Rights: The issue ignited the long-standing debate over states' rights versus federal power. Southerners felt the tariff violated their states' right to govern their own economic affairs.
• Nullification Crisis: South Carolina, led by John C. Calhoun, took the lead in opposing the tariff, advocating for the doctrine of nullification—the right of a state to declare a federal law null and void within its borders. This ultimately led to the Nullification Crisis of 1832-1833.

The Nullification Crisis brought the nation to the brink of civil war, forcing President Andrew Jackson to confront the issue of states' rights and the power of the federal government. While Jackson ultimately asserted federal authority, the crisis clearly illustrated the deep divisions within the nation over the tariff issue and the underlying tensions concerning slavery and states' rights.

The Long-Term Consequences of the Tariff of Abominations

The Tariff of Abominations, despite its relatively short lifespan, left a lasting impact on the American political and economic landscape.

• Increased Sectionalism: The tariff profoundly exacerbated sectional tensions between the North and the South, fueling the already simmering debate over slavery, states' rights, and economic policies.
• Strengthened States' Rights Movement: The nullification crisis significantly strengthened the states' rights movement in the South, reinforcing the belief that the federal government was encroaching on their sovereignty.
• Prelude to Civil War: The tariff is considered a significant contributing factor to the growing chasm between the North and the South, ultimately playing a role in the escalation of tensions that led to the Civil War.
• Economic Impact: While intended to benefit Northern manufacturers, the tariff also led to retaliatory tariffs from other countries, impacting American exports and creating economic instability.
• Political Reform: The controversies surrounding the tariff prompted calls for political reforms, including the need for more balanced representation of diverse economic interests within the government.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why was the Tariff of 1828 called the "Tariff of Abominations?"

A: Southern politicians gave it this name because they saw it as an abomination, a deeply unfair and oppressive measure that disproportionately harmed their agricultural economy while benefiting the Northern industrial sector.

Q: Who benefited most from the Tariff of 1828?

A: Northern manufacturers were the primary beneficiaries, as the high protective tariffs shielded them from foreign competition and boosted their profits.

Q: What was the main argument against the Tariff of 1828?

A: The South's main argument was that the tariff was economically unfair, violating their states' rights and creating an unequal burden on their agricultural economy.

Q: How did the Tariff of 1828 contribute to the Civil War?

A: By exacerbating sectional tensions and strengthening the states' rights movement, the tariff played a significant role in widening the gap between the North and the South, contributing to the growing crisis that ultimately led to secession and war.

Q: What happened after the passage of the Tariff of Abominations?

A: The passage of the tariff triggered the Nullification Crisis, a significant constitutional showdown between South Carolina and the federal government over states' rights and the power of the federal government. Subsequent attempts to modify the tariff eventually led to its gradual reduction.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in American History

The Tariff of Abominations, while seemingly a mere economic policy, serves as a powerful symbol of the deep-seated divisions that plagued antebellum America. Its high protective rates fueled sectional tensions, reinforcing existing economic and political fault lines. The ensuing Nullification Crisis brought the nation to the brink of collapse, vividly illustrating the fragility of the Union and the intensity of the conflicts over states' rights, slavery, and economic policy. Studying the Tariff of Abominations provides invaluable insight into the complex forces that propelled the United States towards the Civil War, reminding us of the enduring relevance of understanding the past to better navigate the present. The legacy of this tariff continues to resonate in modern discussions about trade policy, economic inequality, and the balance of power between the federal government and individual states. Its story serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked sectionalism and the importance of compromise and mutual understanding in maintaining a cohesive nation.