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Today in History: Congress passes record tariff, cripples Southern economy

5/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On May 19 1828, the U.S. Congress enacted the Tariff of 1828, imposing a 38 % duty on many imports and a 45 % duty on raw materials—the nation’s highest protective tariff at the time. Southern planters labeled it the “Tariff of Abominations,” arguing it crippled their economy and sparked the nullification crisis that threatened civil war.

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Story summary

On May 19 1828, the U.S. Congress enacted the Tariff of 1828, imposing a 38 % duty on many imports and a 45 % duty on raw materials—the nation’s highest protective tariff at the time. Southern planters labeled it the “Tariff of Abominations,” arguing it crippled their economy and sparked the nullification crisis that threatened civil war.