Why were many Southerners against high tariffs on imported goods?
Understand the Problem
The question asks why many Southerners opposed high tariffs on imported goods. This involves understanding the economic interests of the South, its reliance on agriculture and trade, and its relationship with the North during the pre-Civil War era.
Answer
Southerners opposed high tariffs because they increased the cost of imported goods and could lead to retaliatory tariffs on Southern exports.
Many Southerners opposed high tariffs because these tariffs increased the cost of imported goods. They also feared that these tariffs would lead to retaliatory tariffs from other countries, which would decrease foreign demand for Southern agricultural exports.
Answer for screen readers
Many Southerners opposed high tariffs because these tariffs increased the cost of imported goods. They also feared that these tariffs would lead to retaliatory tariffs from other countries, which would decrease foreign demand for Southern agricultural exports.
More Information
The Tariff of 1828, also known as the Tariff of Abominations, heightened tensions between the North and the South, eventually contributing to the Nullification Crisis and, later, the Civil War. The South believed the tariff benefited the Northern manufacturers at the expense of the Southern agricultural economy.
Tips
A common mistake is to assume that the South was entirely against all tariffs. Some Southerners did support tariffs that benefited expanding U.S. industry.
Sources
- The Nullification crisis (article) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- Tariff of Abominations - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- The South Carolina Nullification Controversy - USHistory.org - ushistory.org
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