Foreign Affairs
Tariff of 1816
The Madison Administration

The recently concluded War of 1812 forced Americans to confront the issue of protecting their struggling industries. The British had stashed large quantities of manufactured goods in warehouses during the war, but when peace was achieved in 1815, a flood of these goods was dumped on the American market. New England manufacturing concerns found it almost impossible to compete with the cheap foreign imports.

Voices for protective legislation were found among the former War Hawks. Henry Clay argued on behalf of the domestic mill and iron industries. John C. Calhoun, who would later be an ardent foe of high tariffs, supported protectionism because he believed that the South’s future would include industrial development.

The Tariff of 1816 was a mildly protectionist measure, raising the average rates to around 20 percent. New England manufacturers actually desired higher rates, but had not yet developed a sufficient political presence in Washington to have their way.

Daniel Webster, a great spokesman for New England interests, opposed the tariff measure. He did not want to see the nation’s industrial base broadened, fearing that New England’s commercial strength would be diluted.

The 1816 tariff act was the first true protectionist measure, reversing the revenue-generation emphasis of the 1789 measure. Protectionist forces would gather strength and improve their position in 1824.

What is a tariff? Also see tariff table summary.

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