The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act was enacted during a time of economic strife, primarily intended to aid American farmers and industries that were struggling under the weight of the Great Depression. The act, introduced as a response to the pressures of the international economic climate, successfully passed through Congress with significant support, culminating in President Herbert Hoover's signature on June 17, 1930. The tariff dramatically increased duties on hundreds of products, with a marked focus on agricultural imports. It established new rates that were intended to protect U.S. producers from foreign competition. The rationale behind such protectionist policies was grounded in the belief that domestic products would thrive in a sheltered environment, prompting economic recovery.However, the consequences of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act quickly became evident. Many countries retaliated by imposing their own tariffs on American goods, which escalated into a trade war that further deepened the economic crisis. The act was intended to safeguard American jobs and wages, but it inadvertently undercut international trade networks. The legislation has since been criticized for exacerbating the Great Depression, as global trade plummeted, and industries depending on foreign markets found themselves in dire straits. The initial intention of fostering economic stability morphed into a scenario that led to widespread economic isolationism.In the years following its implementation, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act became a focal point for debates around protectionism versus free trade. Economists and historians continue to analyze its lasting implications on U.S. trade policy and global economic relations. The act has been viewed as a cautionary tale regarding the risks associated with excessive tariffs and the importance of international cooperation in a globalized economy.