Why did the possibility of higher tariffs upset Southerners?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking why higher tariffs upset Southerners. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, so the question requires understanding of the economic and political context of the South at the time.
Answer
Higher tariffs would raise costs for manufactured goods and could lead to retaliatory tariffs on Southern exports like cotton, harming their economy.
Southerners were upset by the possibility of higher tariffs because these tariffs would raise the cost of manufactured goods they purchased. They also feared that foreign countries would retaliate by enacting higher tariffs on raw materials produced in the South, such as cotton. This would lower foreign demand for Southern agricultural exports, negatively impacting their economy.
Answer for screen readers
Southerners were upset by the possibility of higher tariffs because these tariffs would raise the cost of manufactured goods they purchased. They also feared that foreign countries would retaliate by enacting higher tariffs on raw materials produced in the South, such as cotton. This would lower foreign demand for Southern agricultural exports, negatively impacting their economy.
More Information
The economic concerns over tariffs played a significant role in the growing tensions between the North and the South, eventually contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War.
Tips
It's easy to confuse the specific economic impacts of tariffs. Remember that the South's economy was heavily dependent on agricultural exports, particularly cotton, making them vulnerable to tariffs that could reduce foreign demand.
Sources
- The Nullification crisis (article) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- The Nullification Crisis - billofrightsinstitute.org
- Nullification Crisis | American Battlefield Trust - battlefields.org
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