But of course, you are attempting to use data to exaggerate the importance of Southern cash-crops like cotton to the entire US economy, and to Federal revenues.
That's what this whole discussion is all about.
So I'm certainly not denying the importance of cotton, simply trying to put it into its proper perspective.
The fact is that cotton exports of $191 million in 1860 were enough to pay for 53% of total imports of $362 million.
Since the overall tariff rate in 1860 was roughly 15%, that generated Federal tariff revenues of $52 million.
Those are facts, which you can only obfuscate by adding this or deleting that.
Of course, I agree that cotton was not the South's only export.
Tobacco & other products paid for additional 5%+ of imports, making the total approximately 60% of US 1860 imports paid for by Southern cash-crops.
So what, exactly, is your problem with this?
PeaRidge: "Grow up."
Grow up.
You say: So what, exactly, is your problem with this?
The problem is your misuse of the data and exaggerated, inaccurate conclusions.