USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -It was driven by South Carolina politician John C. Calhoun, who opposed the federal imposition of the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 and argued that the U.S. Constitution gave states the right to block the enforcement of a federal law.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Nullification Crisis of 1832-1833 began with the passage of the Tariff of 1828 (better known as the Tariff of Abominations) which sought to protect industrial products from competition with foreign imports.

Detailed explanation-3: -The tariff sought to protect northern and western agricultural products from competition with foreign imports; however, the resulting tax on foreign goods would raise the cost of living in the South and would cut into the profits of New England’s industrialists.

Detailed explanation-4: -South Carolina then adopted (1832) the Ordinance of Nullification, proclaiming both tariffs null and void within the state and threatening to secede if the federal government attempted to enforce the tariffs.

Detailed explanation-5: -Vice President John C. Calhoun of South Carolina strongly opposed the tariff, anonymously authoring a pamphlet in December 1828 titled the South Carolina Exposition and Protest, in which he urged nullification of the tariff within South Carolina.