The Nullification Crisis (1832–33) led to the Civil War by increasing tension between the North and South over tariffs. It created a debate over a state’s ability to declare Federal laws unconstitutional and set precedents for a President to use force against a state in the Union, and for a state to threaten secession.
The Nullification Crisis Helped Cause the Civil War
The Nullification Crisis was a political dispute between the Federal Government and the government of South Carolina over Federal tariffs.
The tariffs were part of the American System, a plan to develop a national economy, and designed to protect manufacturers in the Northern states competing with British manufacturers.
Although the outbreak of war over the Nullification Crisis was avoided, several events took place that contributed to the start of the Civil War (1861–1865).
Effect of Federal Tariffs on the Southern Economy
The tariffs imposed heavy taxes on British products, which were popular in the South. Higher prices on British products hurt the economies of the Southern States.