The agitating for the Morrill tariff actually got under way in around 1858 or so, IIRC. The south saw higher tariffs coming, and Lincoln while campaigning for president, supported Morrill’s scheme.
The history of tariffs were just another cause of southern dissastifaction, but not the only reason to secede. Had that been the only issue, it wouldn’t have been enough, southern reps. could have fought it out in Congress.
But individual state sovereignty trumped it all, and it was states rights that tipped the scale.
Then why didn't they secede in 1858?
The history of tariffs were just another cause of southern dissastifaction, but not the only reason to secede. Had that been the only issue, it wouldn’t have been enough, southern reps. could have fought it out in Congress.
I submit that tariffs weren't anywhere near the top reason for secession. That reason was slavery. If you took away slavery and left every other gripe the South had then the South doesn't secede. Leave slavery and remove every other issue of contention and the South still secedes. It's just as simple as that.
But individual state sovereignty trumped it all, and it was states rights that tipped the scale.
A state's right to do what?