Tariffs and Growth in Late Nineteenth Century America

@article{Irwin2000TariffsAG,
  title={Tariffs and Growth in Late Nineteenth Century America},
  author={Douglas A. Irwin},
  journal={Economic History},
  year={2000}
}
  • D. Irwin
  • Published 1 April 2000
  • Economics, History
  • Economic History
Were high import tariffs somehow related to the strong U.S. economic growth during the late nineteenth century? This paper examines this frequently mentioned but controversial question and investigates the channels by which tariffs could have promoted growth during this period. The paper shows that: (i) late nineteenth century growth hinged more on population expansion and capital accumulation than on productivity growth; (ii) tariffs may have discouraged capital accumulation by raising the… 
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