Tariff of 1816

The Tariff of 1816 was a law enacted by the U.S. government to protect American industries after the War of 1812. It increased taxes on imported goods from Europe, making them more expensive compared to American-made products. This encouraged people to buy domestically produced items, helping U.S. manufacturers grow and become more competitive. The tariff aimed to support the country's economic independence and reduce reliance on foreign goods, especially in industries like textiles and iron. It marked a shift toward protecting American industries through government intervention, laying the groundwork for future trade policies.