The Tariff Crisis of 1828-1833: A Neutralized Threat

The Tariff Crisis between 1828 and 1833 brought about one of the first threats of secession by a state in response to a federal action. Students will create a timeline to illustrate many of the events and acts that were implemented, as well as the responses of the states. Not only will a timeline help students put these events into sequence, it will also illustrate Jackson's use of military power and his power as president. Students will explore each event and response by President Jackson, as well as how the tariff highlights differences among states' needs, rights, and responses (in particular South Carolina’s threat of secession). Students will also examine Jackson’s Force Bill, nullification, and state sovereignty.

For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.

Extended Activity

Have students research and define a current bill or law that divides states. This could include a number of current day issues, e.g. gay marriage, and the divide among states/federal government’s response, or the Affordable Care Act. Students should utilize a timeline storyboard to track the bill, law, etc., how it passed (or did not pass), and the response of states nationwide.

Student Instructions

Create a timeline detailing the events of the Tariff Crisis of 1828.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Add additional cells as needed.
3. Identify important events and acts and type them into the titles of each cell.
4. Describe each event and act in the description box.
5. Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
6. Save and exit when you're done.