Activity Overview
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing the events of the Tariff Crisis of 1828.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add additional cells as needed.
- Identify important events and acts and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe each event and act in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
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.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing the events of the Tariff Crisis of 1828.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add additional cells as needed.
- Identify important events and acts and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe each event and act in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about The Tariff Crisis of 1828-1833: A Neutralized Threat
How to facilitate a class debate on state versus federal power using the Tariff Crisis
Organize a structured classroom debate to help students analyze and discuss the conflict between state sovereignty and federal authority during the Tariff Crisis. This approach builds critical thinking and helps students connect historical events to modern issues.
Assign student roles representing different historical perspectives
Give students specific roles—such as Andrew Jackson, John C. Calhoun, a South Carolina legislator, or a Northern merchant—to ensure a variety of viewpoints are explored. Role-play increases engagement and encourages deeper understanding of each side's motivations.
Create debate questions focused on key issues
Develop questions around topics like nullification, the Force Bill, and the threat of secession. Well-crafted questions guide student research and keep the debate focused on relevant historical themes.
Set clear debate rules and time limits
Establish guidelines for respectful discussion, rebuttals, and time management. Clear expectations help maintain structure and ensure all voices are heard during the debate.
Debrief with a class discussion to reflect on learning
After the debate, lead a conversation about what students learned regarding state versus federal power, and how these issues affect the United States today. Reflection helps students synthesize information and draw modern connections.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Tariff Crisis of 1828-1833: A Neutralized Threat
What was the Tariff Crisis of 1828-1833 and why is it important for students to study?
The Tariff Crisis of 1828-1833 was a major conflict between the federal government and Southern states, especially South Carolina, over high import taxes. It is important because it led to the first serious threat of state secession, tested the power of the presidency under Andrew Jackson, and highlighted ongoing debates about states' rights and federal authority.
How can students create a timeline to understand the key events of the Tariff Crisis?
Students can create a timeline by listing important events and acts in order, describing each event in detail, and adding illustrations to represent key moments. This visual approach helps organize information and makes it easier to see how the crisis unfolded over time.
What role did President Andrew Jackson play during the Tariff Crisis?
President Andrew Jackson played a decisive role by defending federal law and using his presidential power, including passing the Force Bill, to ensure states complied with national tariffs. He also negotiated a compromise to end the crisis peacefully.
What is nullification and how did it relate to the Tariff Crisis?
Nullification is the idea that a state can declare a federal law invalid within its own borders. During the Tariff Crisis, South Carolina used nullification to reject federal tariffs, sparking a confrontation with the federal government.
Can students connect the Tariff Crisis to current issues dividing states and the federal government?
Yes, students can research modern laws or bills—such as those involving healthcare or marriage rights—that cause disagreements between states and the federal government, and use a timeline to compare these conflicts to the Tariff Crisis.
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