[amorphous]

Despite the tragedy of the Civil War conflict, one positive outcome was ratification of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. However, less than 50 years later, Congress reinstated slavery through the ratification of the 16th Amendment, which imposed a tax on income.

I appreciate everyone's reply. I find it strange those years are looked upon as "the good old days." But then our money was as 'good as gold', actually tied to the price of gold and the budget was balanced compared to our deficit spending today.

[Tellurian]

strange those years are looked upon as "the good old days."

• Individualism was still respected. Now it's 'think like us or you'll be outcast'.
• Public Servants were more convincingly so. Now they're usually Huckstering Serpents.
• The "town square" involved real conversations with your neighbors, and most could account for themselves at any time. Now in the digital age there are fake personas in every direction. They're ounting coup and intent on manipulating others' choices.
• One working person could fund a family. If there were difficulties extended family would graciously help (usually). This tied people together and encouraged responsibility. Now it's expected that the rules and regulations of "government" will supply the "charity", and irresponsibility is pandemic.
• Upper federal income tax rates may have been scary, but in reality almost everyone was in the same base tax bracket. Now, the situation is not that much different, but the time spent conforming to tax laws is counterproductive to say the least.
• Sales taxes and state income taxes were low, and government workers served the community. For lower than average pay they had a secure job. Now government workers serve themselves for the most part, are paid better than the private sector, and are pretty much immune from removal.