[DiogenesLamp]

The state by state vote on the act. I think seeing who voted in favor will be interesting to say the least. And go a long way toward dispelling the idea that Southern states were at the mercy of the whims of Northern politicians.

To borrow a term from BroJoeK; "Nonsense." Back in 1817, nobody in the southern states could see the manner in which it would impact them in the future, much like the Patriot act has done since it was passed years ago. The southern states initially supported it, but came to regret it because it effectively handed a monopoly to northern shipping interests.

They didn't see it as a big problem when they voted in favor of it.

[DoodleDawg]

The southern states initially supported it, but came to regret it because it effectively handed a monopoly to northern shipping interests.

If there was no interest in establishing a ship-building industry or creating costal packet lines in the south to begin with then why would they complain if the North filled the gap?

[SoCal Pubbie]

“They didn’t see it as a big problem when they voted in favor of it.”

Apparently, they didn’t see it as a big problem during the 43 years between its passage and secession either. They controlled Congress during that time and could have made changes if they wanted to.

Are you saying that Southerners were stupid, or just lazy?