United States Tariff History

Intro | United States Tariff History | Setting the Stage | The Harding Years | Election of 1928 | Hearings & Proceedings | Aftermath | Lessons | References | Bibliography

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1800's

During the turn of the century, agriculture dominated the US economy. The US experienced low rates on imported goods (5-10 %) yet high custom duties (80-90 %).

War of 1812

• The war caused poor relations between the United States, Great Britain and France
• In response, the US federal government implemented a stuff excise tax to compensate for debt

Tariff of 1816 The Madison Administration

• The US experienced a sole dependence on struggling internalized markets
• Great Britain dumped cheap goods which were smuggled from New England factories during the war
• These goods were sold cheaply in the United States, which hurt the US markets even more