As President Trump begins his second term in 2025, his administration has doubled down on using tariffs as a key tool of U.S. economic and foreign policy. This renewed focus on protectionism reflects a strategy that has been central to American trade policy for over two centuries. From the early days of the Republic to modern trade wars, tariffs have not only influenced economic growth but also shaped political debates, regional conflicts, and international relations.

In this blog, we’ll explore 10 pivotal tariffs in U.S. history, uncovering their goals, impacts, and the lessons they offer for today’s policymakers. By examining these key moments, we’ll shed light on the role tariffs have played in driving development, sparking controversy, and informing current trade strategies. Join us in exploring this topic with HeinOnline’s U.S. International Trade Library—now 20% off for a limited time!*

1. Tariff of 1789: The New Nation’s First Step

The ink was barely dry on the Constitution when the Tariff of 1789 was enacted. Designed to fund the newly formed government and protect emerging American industries, this tariff was a practical solution for a young country.^[1]Orrin Leslie Elliott. Tariff Controversy in the United States, 1789-1833: With a Summary of the Period before the Adoption of the Constitution (1892). This document can be found in HeinOnline’s U.S. International Trade database. While it helped pay off Revolutionary War debts, it also sparked early tensions between Northern manufacturers and Southern farmers—a hint of the divides to come.

Key takeaway: The Tariff of 1789 set the stage for America’s economic independence but sowed the seeds of sectional conflict.

2. Tariff of 1828: The “Tariff of Abominations”

This tariff—aimed at protecting Northern industries—was loathed in the South, where it earned the nickname “Tariff of Abominations.” It made foreign goods expensive, benefiting Northern manufacturers but forcing Southerners to pay more for imports.^[2]Albert Bushnell Hart; et al. American Nation: A History (1904-1918). This document can be found in HeinOnline’s Legal Classics Library. Tensions boiled over, deepening the North-South divide.

Key takeaway: This tariff showed how economic policies could fuel political and regional conflicts, setting the stage for future disputes.

3. Morrill Tariff (1861): Economic Protection with a Cost

Named for its sponsor, Representative Justin Smith Morrill of Vermont, the Morrill Tariff’s main purpose was to protect American manufacturers from foreign competition and to generate revenue for the federal government, particularly to help fund the Union’s efforts during the Civil War. While it supported manufacturing in the North, Southern states saw it as yet another blow to their economic interests, furthering their push for secession.^[3]Edward Stanwood. American Tariff Controversies in the Nineteenth Century (1903). This document can be found in HeinOnline’s U.S. International Trade database.

Key takeaway: A wartime necessity for the North, the Morrill Tariff deepened the rift between the North and South.

4. McKinley Tariff (1890): A Double-Edged Sword

Named after Representative William McKinley, this tariff made imported goods more expensive and encouraged Americans to buy products made in the United States,^[4]Percy Ashley. Modern Tariff History: Germany-United States-France (1904). This document can be found in HeinOnline’s U.S. International Trade database. helping domestic manufacturers grow. While it helped manufacturers, consumers weren’t thrilled about higher prices. Public outrage contributed to a political shift in Congress.

Key takeaway: Public dissatisfaction with the McKinley Tariff contributed to the Republican Party’s loss in the 1890 Congressional elections, as many voters associated the policy with rising costs and perceived favoritism toward big business. This shift played a role in the Democratic Party regaining power in the next presidential election.

5. Dingley Act (1897): A Decade of Protectionism

The Dingley Act,^[5]To provide revenue for the Government and to encourage the industries of the United States., Chapter 11, 55 Congress, Public Law 55-11. 30 Stat. 151 (1897). This document can be found in HeinOnline’s U.S. Statutes at Large database. introduced by Representative Nelson Dingley Jr.^[6]Edward Stanwood. American Tariff Controversies in the Nineteenth Century (1903). This document can be found in HeinOnline’s U.S. International Trade database. of Maine, brought some of the highest tariffs in U.S. history, averaging about 52% in its first year of operation. It reinstated protectionist measures by imposing higher duties on previously duty-free items like wool and hides, and increasing rates on products such as woolens, linens, silks, china, and sugar. This Act remained in effect for 12 years, making it the longest-lasting tariff in U.S. history.

Key takeaway: The Dingley Act raised U.S. tariff rates to protect American businesses, bringing back strong protectionist policies that shaped the country’s economy for over ten years.

6. Underwood Tariff (1913): A Pivotal Shift

Also known as Revenue Act of 1913, Tariff Act of 1913, and Underwood-Simmons Act

Breaking with decades of high tariffs, the Underwood Tariff slashed rates and introduced the first federal income tax to make up for lost revenue.^[7]To reduce tariff duties and to provide revenue for the Government, and for other purposes., Public Law 63-16 / Chapter 16, 63 Congress. 38 Stat. 114 (1913). This document can be found in HeinOnline’s U.S. Statutes at Large database. It aimed to make the economy more fair for average citizens and less dominated by big businesses. Despite its intentions, the act sparked debates over fairness, the impact on the middle class, and long-term tax policy.

Key takeaway: The Underwood Tariff marked a major shift in U.S. trade and economic policy. It changed how the government raised money, relying more on income taxes instead of tariffs.

7. Smoot-Hawley Tariff (1930): The Great Depression’s Misstep

Also known as Tariff Act of 1930 or Hawley–Smoot Tariff

As the Great Depression gripped the nation, Congress raised tariffs^[8]To provide revenue, to regulate commerce with foreign countries, to encourage the industries of the United States, to protect American labor, and for other purposes., Public Law 71-361 / Chapter 497, 71 Congress. 46 Stat. 590 (1929-1931) (1930). … Continue reading on over 20,000 goods. Instead of helping, this move backfired^[9]Christina L. Davis & Krzysztof J. Pelc, Cooperation in Hard Times: Self-Restraint of Trade Protection, 61 J. CONFLICT RESOL. 398 (February 2017). This article can be found in HeinOnline’s Law Journal Library—other countries retaliated, global trade plummeted, and the economic crisis worsened.

Key takeaway: The Smoot-Hawley Tariff is a cautionary tale about the dangers of protectionism during economic turmoil.

8. Reciprocal Tariff Act (1934): A Shift To Trade Cooperation

This act allowed the president to negotiate bilateral trade agreements^[10]To amend the Tariff Act of 1930., Public Law 73-316 / Chapter 474, 73 Congress. 48 Stat. 943 (1928-1934) (1934). This document can be found in HeinOnline’s U.S. Statutes at Large database. with other nations, allowing for mutual reductions in tariffs by up to 50%.^[11]Paul V. Horn. International Trade: Principles and Practices (1935). This document can be found in HeinOnline’s U.S. International Trade database. It marked a shift toward lowering tariffs and promoting global trade, laying the groundwork for future agreements like NAFTA and the WTO.

Key takeaway: The Reciprocal Tariff Act of 1934 started a new approach to trade by giving the president the power to lower tariffs through agreements with other countries, encouraging global trade, and reducing restrictions on imports and exports.

9. Trade Act of 1974: Tools for Fair Trade

This Act empowered the president to combat unfair trade practices,^[12]To promote the development of an open, nondiscriminatory, and fair world economic system, to stimulate fair and free competition between the United States and foreign nations, to foster the economic growth of, and full employment in, the United … Continue reading introducing tools like Section 301^[13]Schwarzenberg, Andres B. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974: Origin, Evolution, and Use. This document can be found in HeinOnline’s U.S. Congressional Documents database which permits retaliatory actions against countries violating trade agreements or engaging in practices that burden U.S. commerce.

Key takeaway: The Trade Act of 1974 significantly enhanced presidential authority in trade negotiations and enforcement, while also providing support mechanisms for domestic workers impacted by international trade dynamics.

10. Trump Tariffs (2018-2020): A New Chapter in Trade Wars

During his first term, President Donald Trump implemented a series of tariffs^[14]1 1 (February 22, 2019)
Trump Administration Tariff Actions: Frequently Asked Questions. This document can be found in HeinOnline’s U.S. Congressional Documents database targeting various imports, including solar panels, washing machines, steel, and aluminum, aiming to bolster domestic industries and address trade imbalances. These actions led to retaliatory tariffs^[15]Gustavo Adolfo Guarin Duque, Interpreting WTO Rules in Times of Contestation (Part I): Trump Tariffs on Imported Steel and Aluminium in the Light of the GATT 1994, 13 Global Trade & Cust. J. 420 (October 2018). This document can … Continue reading from key trading partners, notably China, Canada, and the European Union, escalating into trade disputes that affected global commerce.

Key takeaway: The Trump administration’s tariff policies marked a shift toward protectionism, resulting in international trade tensions and economic consequences that influenced both domestic and global markets.

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From the early days of the Republic to modern trade wars, tariffs have sparked innovation, conflict, and change, serving as a reminder that every policy comes with trade-offs (no pun intended).

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As global trade policies dominate the headlines, staying informed about U.S. tariffs and international trade has never been more critical. With HeinOnline’s U.S. International Trade Database, you have access to a comprehensive resource that empowers you to research: 

• Historical Tariff Data:  Analyze decades of tariff schedules and amendments to understand their impact on trade. 
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Whether you’re a legal researcher, policy analyst, or academic, this database provides the tools you need to stay ahead of the curve in understanding the complexities of U.S. international trade.