Nullify for Independence
As the fledgling nation grew, so did the factions and tensions between regions. Accusations flew between North, South and West, each insisting the other was taking advantage of the rest of the country.
When the "Tariff of Abominations" was passed in 1828, a movement grew in South Carolina to nullify the law which imposed such harsh regulations on South Carolinians.
In 1832, South Carolina nullified the tariff. Congress promptly passed the Force Bill authorizing the president to send troops. But um, they also passed a compromise tariff. So South Carolina withdrew their nullification of the 1828 tariff. But they nullified the Force Bill - just to make their point clear.
The symbol of nullification in 1828-1833 was a blue cockade inherited from the anti-government Gordon Riots in England a few years earlier. It was usually adorned with a South Carolina militia button.
The point was clear and concise: No government tyranny or we fight!