Tariffs and Trusts in the Late Nineteenth Century United States

by Gregg, Amanda

This paper explores the connection between protective tariffs and market concentration in the late nineteenth century United States. In particular, the paper investigates the effects of the McKinley Tariff of 1890 on American sugar refining and white lead production. My investigation includes a review of contemporary economic thought and political platforms, short histories of both industries, and event studies on the American Sugar Refining Company and the National Lead Company for the passage of the McKinley Tariff.