U.S. Trade Deadline Triggers Highest Tariff Increase in 2025, Plus the Historical Tariffs that Changed the WorldU.S. Trade Deadline Triggers Highest Tariff Increase in 2025, Plus the Historical Tariffs that Changed the WorldThis post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them. Below, we’ll take a look at 15 historical tariffs that didn’t just impact trade; many of them impacted the world. It aimed to protect American manufacturers but also led to increased consumer prices. The Walker Tariff (1846): A Free Trade Milestoneaiva / FlickrThe Walker Tariff, introduced under President James K. Polk, significantly lowered U.S. tariff rates. The GATT (1947): Rewriting Global Trade RulesAd Gr / Shutterstock.comThe General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was established to reduce trade barriers and foster international cooperation.