What role did tariffs play in the Great Depression?
A. They were the principal cause of the economic downturn.
B. They had no discernible impact on the Depression.
C. They worsened it by further decreasing trade.
D. They helped relieve its effects by protecting domestic businesses.

Tariffs contributed to the Great Depression by worsening the economic downturn due to decreased international trade. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act led to retaliation from other nations and a decline in trade. Thus, tariffs are recognized as one of the factors that exacerbated the crisis. ;

Answered by GinnyAnswer | 2025-07-05

Tariffs, particularly the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, worsened the Great Depression by leading to retaliatory tariffs from other countries and a significant decrease in international trade. This reduction in trade deepened the economic downturn and contributed to widespread economic hardship. Therefore, the correct answer is that tariffs worsened it by further decreasing trade.
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Answered by Anonymous | 2025-07-16