Protection or Free Trade

Henry George's treatise, which discusses the benefits and drawbacks of both protectionist tariffs and unfettered free trade, is published here complete.

When George wrote this book, the economy of the world was seeing unprecedented levels of international trade. Shipping technology facilitated the movement of goods between borders relatively quickly, and the consequent supply was viewed as disruptive to both existing business and labor.

This book sees Henry George outline arguments and reasoning in favor of tariffs, which are taxes imposed on imports, exports or both. At the same time, George examines views which support zero taxes on goods travelling between borders and even production itself - in short, unfettered free trade. After weighing up the effects of protection and free trade upon wages and the wider economy, George favors the option of free trade.