[DiogenesLamp]

As to who, exactly, "made money" off those crops, obviously, everyone who handled or processed them got paid something,

Having the government force people to buy your services at excessive rates is very profitable.

We are still seeing this tactic used by modern day liberals too.

(And they still live in Martha's vineyard and the Hamptons.)

[BroJoeK]

"Having the government force people to buy your services at excessive rates is very profitable."

I don't think that's a fair description of conditions in 1860.
What Republicans wanted in 1860 -- just as in 2020 -- was to Make America Great by Putting Americans First.

Southern slavocrats had a different idea.