[Non-Sequitur]

Not at all. The Union imports just changed in type, destination, and who paid the taxes. For example, the Northern states were net importers of food from the South and West. Once the war began, they had to import food from Europe. They also began to import finished textiles from Europe, since the Northern mills could no longer make these. They also imported large amounts of war materials. They also paid all the tariffs.

Several problems with that. First, I've never heard that the South was an exporter of food, exactly the opposite. Where do your figures come from? Second, hos did they pay for it without exports. Third, are you honestly suggesting that the government placed a tariff on war materials?

First, Sir, there was no rebellion. There was separation.

On the contrary, Sir, the southern actions were a rebellion.

[bushpilot1]

The Movement of Goods in the Antebellum Economy

"In the years before the war, Southern ports were leading exporters of domestic produce."


The Union Navy's Blockade Reconsidered

David G. Surdam

© 1998 by David G. Surdam

Naval War College Review, Autumn 1998, Vol. LI, No. 4