Which of the following statements correctly describes the Tariff of 1816 and its context?

• A. The Tariff of 1816 was the first protective tariff implemented by the United States to shield American industries from foreign competition after the War of 1812.
• B. The Tariff of 1816 was enacted during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln.
• C. The Tariff of 1816 led to immediate and widespread support from Southern agricultural interests.
• D. The Tariff of 1816 was designed primarily to raise government revenue rather than protect domestic manufacturing.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the historical context of the Tariff of 1816. It was enacted shortly after the War of 1812, a period when the United States sought to protect its emerging industries from foreign competition, especially from Britain.
2. Step 2: Recognize the purpose of the Tariff of 1816. It was primarily a protective tariff, meaning it was designed to shield American manufacturers by imposing higher duties on imported goods, rather than just raising government revenue.
3. Step 3: Identify the timing and political leadership. The Tariff of 1816 was enacted during the presidency of James Madison, not Abraham Lincoln, who served decades later during the Civil War.
4. Step 4: Consider the regional economic interests. Southern agricultural interests generally opposed protective tariffs because they increased the cost of manufactured goods and invited retaliatory tariffs on their exports, so widespread support from the South was unlikely.
5. Step 5: Summarize the correct description: The Tariff of 1816 was the first protective tariff implemented by the United States to shield American industries from foreign competition after the War of 1812.