Economics & Industry

Hoover Signs Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, signed into law by President Herbert Hoover, raised U.S. tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods. This significant legislation aimed to protect American industries amidst the economic challenges of the Great Depression. The act was spearheaded by Senator Reed Smoot and Representative Willis C. Hawley, who pushed for protectionist measures to support U.S. farmers and manufacturers. The signing marked a pivotal shift in U.S. trade policy and was met with both domestic and international controversy.

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