Tariff of 1832 and South Carolina's Threat to Secede
Why did South Carolina threaten to secede from the Union in 1832?
A. South Carolina felt that its coast was not being defended by the navy.
B. South Carolina was displeased with the Tariff of 1832.
C. South Carolina disagreed with a proposed law to end slavery.
D. South Carolina wanted to be a British colony once again.
Answer:
Option B, South Carolina was displeased with the Tariff of 1832, is the right answer.
In 1832, South Carolina threatened secession due to the Tariff of 1832, which they believed adversely impacted their economy. This led to the Nullification Crisis, underlining the struggle between states' rights and federal authority.
Explanation:
In 1832, South Carolina threatened to secede from the Union primarily because of their discontent with the Tariff of 1832. This tariff was seen as favoring Northern industries while harming the Southern economy. The discontent was so severe it led to the Nullification Crisis. South Carolina passed an ordinance declaring the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 null and void within the state borders.
The disagreement was rooted in the belief in states' rights versus federal authority, a conflict that would eventually escalate to the American Civil War. South Carolina, a Southern state, was highly dependent on the agriculture industry and foreign imports, thus the tariff was viewed as detrimental to their economy and livelihood. The situation was resolved in March of 1833 when a compromise tariff was passed by Congress.