Why did Southerners resist being increased tariffs 28 arguing it should be nullified
There were several reasons why Southerners resisted increased tariffs and argued for nullification:
1. Economic Reasons: The Southern states primarily relied on agricultural exports, such as cotton and tobacco, for their economic well-being. They were highly dependent on foreign markets for selling their produce. Increased tariffs meant that foreign countries would retaliate by imposing higher tariffs on Southern goods, making them less competitive and reducing their profits.
2. Disproportionate Impact: The tariffs imposed by the federal government disproportionately affected the Southern states compared to the Northern states. This is because the Northern states had a more diversified economy and were less dependent on foreign trade. Southerners felt that they were being unfairly burdened to support the economic growth of the North.
3. Nullification Theory: Southerners believed in the concept of state sovereignty, where individual states had the right to nullify or invalidate any federal law they deemed unconstitutional. They argued that the increased tariffs were unconstitutional, as they violated the principles of free trade and unfairly impacted their region. Nullification was seen as a way to protect Southern interests and limit federal power.
4. Sectional Conflict: The tariff issue became entangled with the wider sectional conflict between the North and the South. Southerners saw the increased tariffs as part of a broader northern agenda to enrich themselves at the expense of the South. This perception deepened the existing tensions between the two regions and contributed to the eventual outbreak of the Civil War.
Overall, Southerners resisted increased tariffs and argued for nullification because they believed it disproportionately harmed their economy, violated their constitutional rights, and was part of a broader northern conspiracy against their interests.