During the time in question the usa was very much a protectionist nation, with high tariffs. Clearly you need to read a little history. The USA was protectionist/high tariffs most of it history. The usa only recently became a "free trader". The USA will suffer the same decline and fall that defell every major nation that embraced so called "free trade". "Free trade" is little more then a utopian dream without a global government. Those pushing for free trade are in effect arguing for global gvernment. US conservatives are hardly in favor of creating a global government.
Clearly, we need to have the government intervene in the market in order to make it work.