Final answer:
In late nineteenth-century America, tariffs impacted different sectors of the economy in various ways, leading to debates and actions by presidents. Supporters argued for revenue generation and protection of US factories, while opponents pointed to negative effects on Southern and Western sectors of the economy. Presidents took different positions and actions on tariffs, with some attempting to investigate or reduce tariff rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
In late nineteenth-century America, the issue of tariffs impacted different sectors of the economy in various ways. Supporters of tariffs argued that they generated revenue and protected US factories from foreign competition, resulting in domestic job creation. However, tariffs had negative effects on Southern and Western sectors of the economy. Southerners and Westerners did not benefit from tariffs as most US factories were located in the North, leading to higher prices for manufactured goods. Additionally, European countries retaliated with their own tariffs on American exports, causing further economic challenges for Southern farmers.
The presidents of the era took different positions and actions on the issue of tariffs. For example, President Arthur created the U.S. Tariff Commission in 1882 to investigate the propriety of high tariffs, but the most he could accomplish was a modest reduction in tariff rates. President Taft's endorsement of the Payne-Aldrich Act of 1909, which raised tariff rates, created a rift within his own party. These examples demonstrate the complexities and controversies surrounding the issue of tariffs in late nineteenth-century America.
Overall, tariffs had uneven economic effects, benefiting certain sectors such as manufacturers and wealthy individuals, but causing challenges for farmers and workers. The issue of tariffs played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the era, with debates and actions taken by presidents highlighting the conflicting interests and viewpoints.