As a Republican congressman from Ohio, he erroneously believed that tariffs would make the U.S. more prosperous and ...

The Tariff Act of 1890 raised taxes to 49.5% on 1,500-plus items. Championing the move was the "Napoleon of Protectionism," William McKinley, an Ohio Republican congressman who would be elected ...

McKinley, who was president between 1897 and 1901, famously authored the highly protectionist Tariff Act of 1890, later named after him, which imposed tariffs of more than 50% on many imported goods.

The Tariff Act of 1890 raised taxes to 49.5% on 1,500-plus items. Championing the move was the "Napoleon of Protectionism," William McKinley, an Ohio Republican congressman who would be elected ...