
PROTECTION and COMMUNISM - From The French
By Frederic Bastiat.
With a Preface, by The Translator - London: John W. Parker And Son, West Strand
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.
PROTECTION AND COMMUNISM. - TO M. THIERS.
In a lively mid‑nineteenth‑century debate, a sharp French essayist pens a pointed letter to a leading politician, urging readers to see beyond the fevered cries for “agricultural interest.” The work arrives amid growing whispers that Britain might revive protective tariffs, making its arguments feel strikingly immediate. With a clear, conversational style, the author draws listeners into a spirited defense of open commerce that feels both historically grounded and surprisingly relevant.
The core of the essay links the logic of protectionism to the doctrine of communism, arguing that both ultimately threaten property and security by substituting coercion for voluntary exchange. Through concise examples and logical force, the writer exposes how tariffs act like a form of sanctioned robbery, promising short‑term relief while sowing long‑term ruin. Listeners will appreciate the vigor of the argument and the timeless reminder that economic liberty often hinges on confronting entrenched misconceptions.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (91K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Widger
Release date
2013-11-10
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1801–1850
A sharp, witty defender of free trade and limited government, this French economist became famous for turning big political ideas into vivid stories and memorable arguments. His essays still stand out for the clarity and humor he brought to debates about law, liberty, and everyday economic life.
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