The Protection Movement

The Protection Movement was a 19th-century economic initiative focused on safeguarding domestic industries from foreign competition through tariffs and trade barriers. Its goal was to promote local manufacturing, preserve jobs, and foster economic independence. By imposing taxes on imported goods, the movement aimed to make domestically produced products more affordable and competitive. While it encouraged industrial growth, critics argued it could lead to higher prices for consumers and provoke retaliation from other countries. Overall, the Protection Movement was a key part of debates over trade policy and economic strategy during that era.