[Old Teufel Hunden]

"That would have caused a temporary supply interruption."

Not, it would have caused a major supply interruption. It would have dragged the war on for years IMO. As for England, the political leaders would have loved for the south to win. It would have been good for Britian. For one thing, their textile industry depended on the South's cotton. For another thing, breaking up the fledgling America would have eliminated a potential rival on the world stage. However, England was very anti-slavery and public opinion would have never supported England's direct involvement in the war on the South's side.

[wideawake]

Not, it would have caused a major supply interruption. It would have dragged the war on for years IMO.

When there are fat, guaranteed government contracts to be had, manufacturers move very quickly.

A year, certainly. Multiple years? I'm not sold on that one.