Nullification, in the history of the United States, refers especially to the action of the legislature of South Carolina in 1832, declaring certain acts of congress unconstitutional and therefore null and void. In 1828 congress passed what became known as the 'tariff of abominations,' which discriminated unfairly against the people of the southern states. There cotton was the staple product, and any step tending to impose restrictions on the commercial intercourse with Europe, where its principal markets lay, was bitterly opposed; whereas in the north, with its manufacturing interests, a protectionist policy had steadily grown in favour. In 1832 congress readjusted the tariff, modifying some of the objectionable features, but still leaving the southerners unjustly treated. In November a state convention in South Carolina passed an ordinance nullifying the tariff of 1828 and 1832, and declaring their right and intention, in the event of any attempt at coercion, to withdraw from the Union and organise a separate government. In December President Jackson (q.v.) issued a vigorous proclamation against the ordinance, and the governor of South Carolina replied with a counter-proclamation, and volunteers, in addition to the state militia, were organised to resist the national government. But in
February 1833 Clay, the 'great pacifier,' introduced a Compromise Bill, providing for the gradual reduction by the year 1842 of all higher duties to 20 per cent.; congress passed this on March 2, and on March 15 the South Carolina convention repealed the ordinance of nullification and secession. See CALHOUN; and for the whole question out of which this movement grew, see STATES' RIGHTS.