History of North America

How did the north view tarrifs?

The North generally supported tariffs, while the South opposed them. Tariffs made imported goods more expensive, which protected Northern manufacturers from foreign competition. This helped to create jobs and boost the economy in the North. Additionally, tariffs provided revenue for the federal government, which was used to fund infrastructure projects such as roads and canals that benefited the North.

By contrast, the South opposed tariffs because they made it more expensive for them to buy manufactured goods from the North. This was a particular burden for Southern planters, who relied on imported goods to run their plantations. Additionally, tariffs reduced the demand for Southern agricultural products in Europe, which lowered the prices that Southern planters received for their crops.

The debate over tariffs was one of the major causes of the Civil War. In 1861, the Southern states seceded from the Union and formed the Confederate States of America. One of the main reasons for secession was the South's opposition to tariffs. The Civil War ended in 1865 with the victory of the Union. After the war, tariffs were raised even higher, which helped to protect Northern industry and spur economic growth in the United States.