Question

How did American views toward manufacturing after the war of 1812?

Important politicians opposed manufacturing and favored greater investment in agriculture
American consumers became more dependant on foreign goods
State banks and private investors grew more hesitant to lend money to business
Merchants and industrialists pushed for higher tariffs to protect American companies

Answers

Answered by GPT-4o mini
After the War of 1812, American views toward manufacturing began to evolve significantly. Here's an overview of the changing perspectives and the relevant context:

1. **Shift in Attitudes Toward Manufacturing**: Initially, many American politicians, especially those from agrarian backgrounds, were skeptical of manufacturing. They believed that agriculture was the backbone of the economy and that the nation should remain primarily agrarian. However, the disruptions caused by the war and the need for self-sufficiency led to a growing recognition of the importance of manufacturing.

2. **Dependence on Foreign Goods**: Before and during the war, the U.S. reliance on foreign manufactured goods was evident, particularly from Britain. The disruption of trade during the war highlighted the vulnerabilities in relying on foreign imports, leading to increased calls for domestic production.

3. **Financial Hesitance**: Although state banks and private investors were initially hesitant to invest in manufacturing, this began to change over time. As the industrial revolution took hold and companies required capital to expand, financiers began to see the potential for profit in manufacturing ventures. Nevertheless, there were still challenges in obtaining funding for new businesses.

4. **Support for Tariffs**: In the wake of the war, merchants and industrialists increasingly advocated for higher tariffs. They recognized that tariffs could protect nascent American industries from foreign competition, particularly from the well-established British manufacturers. The Tariff of 1816 is an example of legislative action taken to support domestic manufacturing by imposing duties on imported goods.

In summary, while earlier political views leaned toward supporting agriculture, the experience of the War of 1812 catalyzed a shift that favored domestic manufacturing. Increased awareness of dependency on foreign goods, the advocacy for protective tariffs, and gradually changing investment attitudes contributed to the emergence of a more industrially oriented economic landscape in the United States post-war.
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