Question #5f883
1 Answer
Lincoln changed the tariff system in the United States and transfered 80% of the tax burden to the South.
Explanation:
Lincoln had run on a pro-tariff platform, the South and North had fought each other on the issue of protectionism. Since the Hartford Convention (1814-1815) New England states had threatened to secede in case their grievances regarding tariffs were not taken into account.
The South favored free trade so as to export its agricultural products whereas the North preferred tariffs to protect itself from European industrial competition.
In his inauguration address Lincoln asserts that he will not abolish slavery but he firmly defends the idea that the South has to pay for the tariffs which will make it pay 80% of the federal budget despite its being only 30% of the population.
