According to Carbaugh (2009), in US trade history
protectionism reached its high point, in 1828 with the opening of Tariff of
Abominations. “This measure amplified duties to an average level of 45 percent,
the highest in the years prior to the Civil War, and triggered the South, which
wanted low duties for its imported manufactured goods” (p. 183). Average tariff
rate in 1890 under McKinley law was 48.4%.Tariffs were augmented extremely
during Civil War as a means of paying for it.
