Question

How did economists react to the tariff? What effects did the tariff have on Hoover's presidency?

a) Economists praised the tariff for protecting American industries, and it boosted Hoover's popularity.
b) Economists criticized the tariff for worsening the Depression, and it had a negative impact on Hoover's presidency.
c) Economists had mixed reactions to the tariff, and it had no significant impact on Hoover's presidency.
d) Economists had no opinion on the tariff, and it did not affect Hoover's presidency.

Answer 1

Economists criticized the Smoot-Hawley Tariff for worsening the Great Depression, and it had a negative impact on Hoover's presidency, contributing to the decline of international trade and his eventual political defeat. Option b) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Economists generally criticized the Smoot-Hawley Tariff for worsening the Great Depression. Instead of protecting American industries, the tariff prompted foreign governments to raise tariffs on U.S. products, leading to a significant decrease in international trade.

As a consequence, both farmers and industrial manufacturers suffered, with international trade falling by two-thirds by 1932. The impact on Hoover's presidency was decidedly negative, as his actions were seen as too little too late and contributed to his political defeat in the 1932 presidential election.