Proclamation Regarding Nullification: Patriotism Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)

Quote #1

Your pride was aroused by the assertions that a submission to these laws was a state of vassalage, and that resistance to them was equal, in patriotic merit, to the opposition our fathers offered to the oppressive laws of Great Britain. (36)

The Founding Fathers? Now, those were real patriots, according to Old Hickory. The Nullies saw themselves as revolutionary patriots fighting King Andrew: American Revolution v2. Jackson told them they were being sold a bill of goods by their leaders.

Quote #2

They are not champions of liberty emulating the fame of our Revolutionary fathers, nor are you an oppressed people, contending, as they repeat to you, against worse than colonial vassalage. You are free members of a flourishing and happy Union. There is no settled design to oppress you. (36)

Jackson thinks South Carolina is blowing this whole tariff thing way out of proportion. You call this oppression? You don't know what real oppression is, people. Be thankful for what you've got here.

Quote #3

Consider the extent of its territory its increasing and happy population, its advance in arts, which render life agreeable, and the sciences which elevate the mind! See education spreading the lights of religion, morality, and general information into every cottage in this wide extent of our Territories and States! Behold it as the asylum where the wretched and the oppressed find a refuge and support! Look on this picture of happiness and honor, and say, we, too are citizens of America—Carolina is one of these proud States her arms have defended-her best blood has cemented this happy Union! (37)

Peace, culture, science—what's not to love? Clearly, anyone who wants out is seriously misguided. It's so easy to feel patriotism when you live in such a great country. Jackson butters up the citizens by extolling their patriotism in defending the new nation.