New Delhi, April 5 -- US President Donald Trump's announcement of new reciprocal tariffs this week marks the latest chapter in America's long and complex history with trade protectionism. While tariffs have been used as economic tools for centuries, their effects have often exceeded their intended purpose, reshaping industries, global trade relations, and domestic economic policies. Let's take a look at the history of tariffs and their relationship with the US.

Historically, tariffs have played a major role in shaping the US economy. One of the most enduring examples is the 1960s "chicken war", which led to the 25% tariff on imported pickup trucks, known as the "chicken tax". This measure, initially imposed by then US President Lyndon Jo...