Protective tariffs were a key element of the American system. These are tariffs that are enacted aiming to protect a domestic industry. Protective tariffs seek to make imported goods cost more than equivalent goods produced in the country, leading to the rise of sales of domestically produced goods; supporting local industry. Tariffs are also imposed in an attempt to increase government revenue, or to reduce an undesirable activity.
A tariff is a tax on an imported good. This was an integral part of Henry Clay's American System. The American System was focused on developing America into an industrialized nation much like Great Britain. Henry Clay had three key elements of this plan to help America become more industrialized including:
1) A tariff - This would increase prices of foreign goods and protect American businesses.
2) Funds for building infrastructure (i.e. canals, railroads, etc.)
3) A national bank- This would help to foster commerce.
Because most of the fighting occurred in Europe and in Asia (besides Pearl Harbor), only soldiers had died in the fighting. Due to Pearl Harbor, one could explain the number of civilian casualties in this situation.
