Why were tariffs so important to the US in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, tariffs were crucial to the U.S. economy as they protected nascent American industries from foreign competition, helping to foster domestic manufacturing and economic growth. They also served as a significant source of federal revenue before the establishment of income tax. Additionally, tariffs were often a point of contention between agrarian and industrial regions, reflecting broader economic and political tensions within the country. Overall, tariffs played a key role in shaping the economic landscape and regional dynamics of the United States during this period.