History As It Happens: Episode Summary – "O No Canada! (McKinley-Trump Tariffs)"

Host: Martin Di Caro
Guest: Mark Palin, Historian and Author
Release Date: April 4, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of History As It Happens, host Martin Di Caro delves into the contemporary implications of President Trump's sweeping tariff policies on Canada, drawing a parallel to the historical McKinley Tariff of 1890. Through an insightful conversation with historian Mark Palin, the episode explores the motivations behind these tariffs, their economic and diplomatic repercussions, and the enduring legacy of protectionist policies in American history.

President Trump's Tariff Announcements

The episode opens with President Trump's announcement of extensive tariffs on Canadian imports, branded as "Liberation Day." Di Caro captures the gravity of the moment:

Martin Di Caro [01:12]: "President Trump unveiled his plan for sweeping tariffs on just about everything imported into the United States. Liberation Day is supposed to free us from the tyranny of foreign made goods."

Trump's rhetoric hints at an audacious goal — the potential annexation of Canada as the 51st U.S. state:

Marco [01:09]: "What I'd like to see Canada become our 51st state."

While the idea may seem far-fetched today, Di Caro recalls that a similar notion was entertained during the McKinley administration.

Historical Parallel: The McKinley Tariff of 1890

To understand the present, Di Caro and Palin rewind to the late 19th century, examining the McKinley Tariff's intentions and consequences. The McKinley Tariff, named after Congressman William McKinley, aimed to impose hefty duties on Canadian imports to coerce Canada into statehood:

Historian [00:42]: "For decades our country has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike."

This aggressive protectionism was not merely economic but also carried imperialistic undertones, reflecting America's ambition to expand its influence over Canada.

Expert Insights with Mark Palin

Mark Palin, a renowned historian specializing in British and American imperialism, provides an in-depth analysis of both the McKinley and Trump-era tariffs. Palin explains that tariffs served dual purposes: generating revenue and protecting nascent American industries. He draws attention to the coercive nature of tariffs as diplomatic tools:

Mark Palin [07:50]: "It's a throwback to an earlier era of American foreign economic policy and domestic economic policy, when the United States used tariffs for a variety of different mechanisms, both domestic and international, some of which were quite coercive."

Palin emphasizes that Trump's use of tariffs mirrors the aggressive protectionism of the McKinley era, underscoring a recurring theme in American economic history.

Economic and Diplomatic Consequences

The discussion highlights the detrimental impacts of such protectionist measures. Palin points out that the McKinley Tariff backfired, leading to economic downturns and strained relations with Canada:

Mark Palin [36:37]: "With surplus versus deficits that seem to drive it, which made a lot more sense in the context of when revenues were so reliant on tariffs."

Drawing parallels to 2025, Palin warns of similar outcomes under Trump's policies, including disrupted global supply chains, increased unemployment, and heightened inflation. Moreover, the tariffs risk alienating Canada, potentially pushing it towards other trading partners like China.

Comparing Past and Present

The episode underscores the cyclical nature of protectionist policies in U.S. history. Palin recounts how the McKinley Tariff's failure contributed to a recession and a political backlash, leading to significant shifts in both American and Canadian economic landscapes:

Mark Palin [34:03]: "The passage of the McKinley tariff aligned closely with another onset of an economic depression in the United States that would last up through around 1897."

Similarly, the current administration's tariff strategies may precipitate economic instability and diplomatic rifts reminiscent of the past.

Conclusion

Martin Di Caro concludes the episode by reflecting on the lessons from history, emphasizing the perils of protectionism and the importance of maintaining robust international trade relations. The conversation between Di Caro and Palin serves as a cautionary tale, urging policymakers and the public to heed historical precedents to avoid repeating economic missteps.

Martin Di Caro [41:04]: "The pendulum now, unfortunately, has swung too far the other way. The party in power is embracing potentially economically disastrous policies."

As History As It Happens wraps up the episode, listeners are left with a profound understanding of how historical tariffs inform and influence current economic and political decisions, and the enduring impact these policies have on international relations.

Notable Quotes

• Mark Palin [07:50]: "It's a throwback to an earlier era of American foreign economic policy and domestic economic policy..."

• Marco [01:09]: "What I'd like to see Canada become our 51st state."

• Mark Palin [36:37]: "With surplus versus deficits that seem to drive it, which made a lot more sense in the context of when revenues were so reliant on tariffs."

For more insights and detailed historical analyses, tune in to future episodes of History As It Happens and subscribe to Martin Di Caro's weekly newsletter here.