And I keep telling you, that's not what mercantilism is, but you don't listen.
In the 19th century, the federal government and budget were never as big as they were in the 20th century.
The size of the government and its budget largely returned to to what it had been before the war.
Yes, Roosevelt expanded the regulatory aspect of US government, but Lincoln started much of this stuff we now regard as "subsidies."
What you regard as "subsidies".
I suspect many here -- and the president himself -- don't take such a view of tariffs.
And of course, tariffs didn't start with Lincoln. Nor did government subsidies.
The first US tariff passed in 1789.
It's purpose was to fund Federal government, pay off the Revolutionary War debt and protect US manufacturers.
It was signed by President Washington.
The first US Federal infrastructure project (that I can find) was the Cumberland Road (today US 40) in Maryland, passed in 1806, signed by President Jefferson.
Casement Bridge on Cumberland Road, National Highway, built in 1813 in western Maryland.