<h1>Misguided Trade Policy: Tariff Escalation Deepened Economic Suffering During the Great Depression Era</h1> A political leader claimed high tariffs could have prevented the Great Depression, contradicting historical evidence. Economic historians argue that the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 actually worsened the economic crisis by provoking retaliatory tariffs from trading partners. The tariffs raised import taxes, disrupted international trade, and contributed to a global economic downturn. Most economists view the policy as a significant mistake that deepened the financial challenges of the era.