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American society through the prism of the Walker Tariff of 1846

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  • Christopher Rowe

Abstract

This article analyses the reduction in duties under US President James Polk, enshrined in the Walker Tariff of 1846, as a proxy for understanding the interrelationship between the executive, the legislature, and broader societal developments. It concludes that congressional debates on the subject were constrained by three parameters: the perceived threat of sectionalism, fears of international belligerence, and the legacy of colonialism. First, memories of the earlier Nullification Crisis of 1833 determined that the political discourse was characterised by a striking emphasis on national unity. Second, contrary to the usual association of free trade with peace, the Walker Tariff was necessarily debated in terms of compatibility with ongoing warfare. Lastly, Britain's shadow coloured congressional language, with both sides exploiting simultaneous reductions of tariffs in the former colonising power to advance their rhetorical ends.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Rowe, 2020. "American society through the prism of the Walker Tariff of 1846," Economic Affairs, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(2), pages 180-197, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecaffa:v:40:y:2020:i:2:p:180-197
    DOI: 10.1111/ecaf.12404
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Palen,Marc-William, 2016. "The 'Conspiracy' of Free Trade," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781107109124, October.
    2. Stephen Meardon, 2008. "From Religious Revivals to Tariff Rancor: Preaching Free Trade and Protection during the Second American Party System," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 40(5), pages 265-298, Supplemen.
    3. James, Scott C. & Lake, David A., 1989. "The second face of hegemony: Britain's repeal of the Corn Laws and the American Walker Tariff of 1846," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 43(1), pages 1-29, January.
    4. Douglas A. Irwin, 2008. "Antebellum Tariff Politics: Regional Coalitions and Shifting Economic Interests," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 51(4), pages 715-741, November.
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