[DoodleDawg]

That is incorrect. It was correct prior to 1776, but after a nation was created which expressly recognizes the right to do what they did, that definition is no longer correct.

Again, your opinion is duly noted.

I'm pretty sure you grasp the concept of "trade." You understand this just fine, you just refuse to admit the clear truth because it does not support the rest of what you wish to believe.

Trade yes, but apparently you viewed it as barter.

[DiogenesLamp]

Again, your opinion is duly noted.

And your insistence on referring to facts as "opinions" has long been observed.

You wish they were opinions.

Trade yes, but apparently you viewed it as barter.

Barter, Trade, exchange. Regardless what you call it, people want what they consider a fair exchange.

Whatever name you prefer to call it, the South was still producing 73% of it in 1860.

The North was only producing 27% of it.