The general purpose of my follow-up articles is twofold: first, to explain why I find the topic interesting and important, and second, to review the books I used for my article. Sometimes, it isn’t easy to see why a casual reader may find the topic worth reading. Luckily, this is not the case with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (SHTA). Right now, in 2025, tariffs could not be more relevant.
If you turn on news segments or read articles, chances are you will see a mention of SHTA. It seems like everyone is comparing the new tariffs in 2025 to the SHTA. This comparison makes sense since it is natural and logical to compare the two most significant tariff acts in American history. However, it becomes essential to understand the basics of the SHTA so that you can judge if the comparison is accurate. Finally, since the fallout of the SHTA is what people most often reference, it is critical to know what the consequences of the SHTA actually were.
Aside from helping people understand the current tariff policy, the SHTA is also interesting because of its legacy. The act is one of the most infamous in American history. It has even entered into the pop culture lexicon in movies like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and shows like The West Wing. Both discuss the SHTA as a bill that worsened the Great Depression. The SHTA’s legacy is one of the greatest legislative failures in American history. You don’t become infamous if people don’t think you did incredible damage.
If you read my article, you’ll note that while the act was far from successful, its reputation is overblown. It certainly did not help things, but most historians do not put it as a primary reason for a deepening depression. I am captivated by the fact that the popular narrative of the SHTA goes so far beyond the facts of the act. I love trying to decipher the story from reality. It’s one of the things I enjoy about history.
Peddling Protectionism: Smoot-Hawley and the Great Depression by Douglas A. Irwin. Buy Here
I am very grateful that Irwin’s book was so good. The truth is that there weren’t a lot of options. I found very few books written about the topic and even fewer relatively current ones. I would have been stuck using the book either way, but I lucked out because it is fantastic work.
Irwin covers every aspect of the SHTA. He starts with the early political beginnings of the act. I skipped these for my article as they weren’t where I wanted to place my focus. However, if you enjoy how politics work in the United States, I would encourage you to read the book. The story of all the political back and forth for the SHTA is definitely worth studying.
Irwin then moves on to the economic ramifications of the SHTA. Economic history can be dry and difficult to process. Irwin’s style is easy to digest. He manages to deliver the consequences without overwhelming the reader. You won’t need to reread his words multiple times to understand the information he is relaying.
Irwin ties the SHTA to the modern tariff conversations of 2016 and 2017. Irwin and I agree that tying history to the reader’s current life helps it become more enjoyable and interesting. I really am lucky I found this book.
Clashing over Commerce: A History of US Trade Policy by Douglas A. Irwin. Buy Here
This book is another work by Irwin. It covers the entire US trade policy above and beyond the SHTA. Irwin’s strengths in the previous book are also present here. No one subject gets comprehensive coverage, so if you’re looking for in-depth study, this is not the book for you. However, if you want a good overview of US trade history, then you should consider this work.
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