The Fordney-McCumber Tariff and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff were designed to do what?

The Fordney-McCumber Tariff and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff were designed to do what?

• A. Encourage foreign trade
• B. Raise tariffs on manufactured goods
• C. Support agricultural exports
• D. Lower prices for consumers

Answer: (B)

The Fordney-McCumber Tariff, passed in 1922, significantly raised duties on imported goods, particularly manufactured products. Similarly, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930 increased tariffs even further, aiming to protect American industry during the Great Depression by making foreign goods more expensive compared to domestically produced items. This strategic increase in tariffs intended to shield U.S. businesses from international competition, thereby promoting local manufacturing and economic growth in a time of economic uncertainty. By focusing on raising tariffs, these pieces of legislation reflected the protectionist sentiment prevalent in the United States at the time. The ultimate goal was to reduce imports and support the American economy, particularly in sectors that were struggling due to foreign competition.

The Fordney-McCumber Tariff, passed in 1922, significantly raised duties on imported goods, particularly manufactured products. Similarly, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930 increased tariffs even further, aiming to protect American industry during the Great Depression by making foreign goods more expensive compared to domestically produced items. This strategic increase in tariffs intended to shield U.S. businesses from international competition, thereby promoting local manufacturing and economic growth in a time of economic uncertainty.

By focusing on raising tariffs, these pieces of legislation reflected the protectionist sentiment prevalent in the United States at the time. The ultimate goal was to reduce imports and support the American economy, particularly in sectors that were struggling due to foreign competition.