The 1897 passage of theDingley Act (ch. 11, 30 Stat. 151, July 24, 1897), introduced byU.S. RepresentativeNelson Dingley Jr., ofMaine, raised tariffs in United States to counteract theWilson–Gorman Tariff Act of 1894, which had lowered rates. The bill came into effect under the first year of thePresidency of William McKinley. The McKinley administration wanted slowly to bring back theprotectionism that was proposed by theMcKinley Tariff of 1890.
The Dingley Act was designed to protect American industries from foreign competition, which led to increased domestic steel prices and higher costs for downstream industries like construction and railroads.[1] While it benefited certain domestic producers, it also contributed to inflationary pressures and raised consumer prices, leading to criticism from Democrats who argued it favored large corporations over consumers.[2]
Following theelection of 1896, McKinley followed through with his promises for protectionism. Congress imposed duties on wool and hides which had been duty-free since 1872. Rates were increased onwoolens,linens,silks,china, andsugar (the tax rates for which doubled). The Dingley Tariff remained in effect for twelve years, making it the longest-lasting tariff in U.S. history. It was also the highest in US history, averaging about 52% in its first year of operation. Over the life of the tariff, the rate averaged at around 47%.[3]
The Dingley Act remained in effect until thePayne–Aldrich Tariff Act of 1909.
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