What was so significant about me Underwood tariff?

The Underwood Tariff Act of 1913 was significant because it lowered tariff rates for the first time in over 50 years, reducing the average tariff on imports from about 40% to 25%. This legislation aimed to promote competition and reduce consumer prices by encouraging foreign goods to enter the U.S. market. Additionally, it included a provision for a graduated income tax, aligning with the 16th Amendment, which allowed the federal government to tax individual incomes directly. Overall, the act marked a shift towards a more progressive taxation system and reflected President Woodrow Wilson's economic reform agenda.