The 1897 Dingley Tariff was passed
to counteract the effects of the 1894 Wilson-Gorman Tariff Act
which was enacted by the Cleveland Democratic administration
that lowered the tariff rates imposed during the Republic
administration of President Harrison and the
McKinley Tariff.
1897 Dingley Tariff for kids: What are Tariffs?
Definition
and Summary: What are tariffs? A Tariff is a tax placed on goods
that are imported from foreign countries. Tariffs enable a country
to raise money and at the same time
protect a nation's home-grown goods from cheaper priced foreign
items.
The
Dingley Tariff for kids: Protectionism
The
principle of such tariffs (taxes) was called Protectionism and the
politicians who adhered to the principle of policy of imposing
duties were known as Protectionists. Tariffs were adjusted according
to the political and economic climate. The great advocates of
Protectionism in US history were Alexander Hamilton and Henry Clay
and the later Republican presidents. The Republicans believed in
higher tariffs, and were opposed by the Democrats who believed in
lower rates and that protectionism favored monopolistic business
practices that gave rise to the
Robber
Barons who emerged in
the mid to late 1800's.
Protective Tariffs
For additional facts and a timeline
refer to Protectionism and Tariffs.
What was
the purpose of the
Dingley Tariff?
The purpose of the
Dingley Tariff
was to protect businesses and industries from foreign competition. Imported products
became more expensive to those
made in America, thereby protecting U.S. manufacturing and
industries.
1890
Dingley Tariff: What did the Dingley Tariff do?
It increased rates for
many manufactured goods. Rates were increased on woolens, silks,
linens and china. The tax rates for sugar doubled.
Dingley Tariff for kids: The Effect of the Dingley Tariff
The Dingley Tariff
was the highest protective tariff in the history of the United
States. It increased duties by an average of 52% and the cost of
living by nearly 25%. The law remained in effect for nearly ten
years until the Payne-Aldrich Tariff Act of 1909 was passed.
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