How Did Calhoun Feel About the Compromise

As a South Carolina senator, Calhoun used the argument of states’ rights to protect slavery in what is known as the Nullification Crisis of 1832-1833. At the end of his senatorial career, Calhoun opposed the Compromise of 1850 because of its proposed limits on slavery during the westward expansion of the nation.

How did Senator Calhoun respond to the compromise?

In fact, it’s said that Calhoun responded once to Henry Clay as Clay defended the Compromise, by yelling “No, Sir! The Union can be broken!” (source). A decade later, the state he represented would be the first to secede.

What did Calhoun and Jackson disagree on?

At first Jackson and Calhoun seemed to work together more smoothly than Calhoun had with Adams, but that situation was short lived. They disagreed over policy, especially the policy of nullification.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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