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Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) Proclamation by the President of the United States and the message of the governor of the state of Illinois, to the General Assembly, ...

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06605 Author/Creator: Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) Place Written: Vandalia, Illinois Type: Pamphlet Date: 24 December 1832 Pagination: 8 p. ; 24.5 x 15.5 cm.

Summary of Content: Title continues, " ... together with a preamble and resolutions adopted by the Legislature accompanying the same." Printed on the first page is a letter introducing this proclamation by John Reynolds, Governor of Illinois, dated 24 December 1832 directed to the "fellow citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives." Jackson's proclamation attacks South Carolina's Nullification Ordinance (mandating statewide noncompliance with the protective tariffs of 1828 and 1832) of November 24, 1832. Jackson states that the Ordinance " ... prescribes to the people of South Carolina a course of conduct in direct violation of their duty as citizens of the United States, contrary to the laws of their country, subversive of its constitution, and having for its object the destruction of the Union ... " Jackson urges the Illinois assembly to support the preservation of the Union. Ends with the resolutions of the assembly pledging to support the laws and constitution of the country by Jesse B. Thomas, Secretary of State.

Background Information: The Nullification Crisis was a sectional crisis during the presidency of Andrew Jackson over the issue of protective tariffs passed by the federal government in 1828 and 1832 that benefited trade in ...the northern states but caused economic hardships for Southern states. In response, a number of South Carolina citizens endorsed the states' rights principle of "nullification," which was enunciated by John C. Calhoun, Jackson's vice president until 1832. South Carolina adopting the Ordinance of Nullification, which declared both the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 null and void within state borders. Senator Henry Clay mediated a compromise between South Carolina and the federal government in 1833 but the crisis deepened the divide between the north and the south and planted the seeds for the Civil War.See More

People: Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845
Reynolds, John, 1788-1865

Historical Era: National Expansion and Reform, 1815-1860

Subjects: Government and CivicsPresidentPresidential Speeches and ProclamationsNullificationMerchants and TradeCommerceFinanceUS ConstitutionLaw

Sub Era: Age of Jackson

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