[DiogenesLamp]

You have a valid point that all of the transport of Southern produce and cash, however much they totaled, wasn't entirely lost to the North as a result of the war because not all Southern states seceded for whatever reason (Northern force, voter preference, etc.). However much the financial loss to the North amounted to after the South seceded, it still had a big impact on various sectors of Northern economy.

But in the run-up to war, it didn't really matter how many eventually seceded, what mattered is how many the "shadow government" thought would secede. People make plans based on what they think will happen, and they generally plan for the worst.

Take it as a given that the war demands were based on worries of the maximum possible losses for the businessmen of New York.

And here you quote Wikipedia, and a specific of which I highlight:

Many jobs were lost, but the effect was somewhat mitigated by the number of men serving in the military.

A point I was eventually going to get around to mentioning is the economics of war. When you have a massive host of unemployed young men lying around, one of the things you can do with them is send them off to fight. This employs the men, and the losses of manpower result in a fixed quantity of assets going to a lesser number of people. The wealth and opportunities of the survivors increase. This financial oddity is mentioned in that classical series of essays called "Nuclear Warfare 101" where it is pointed out that the Financial condition of Londoners would be improved by dropping a Nuke on London. :)

War is funny economically. It can create boom conditions under certain circumstances, but represent a loss in the long run. Killing off your excess idle population is sometimes in the best financial interests of the power elite. I sometimes think that is what they have planned to deal with the Social security crises. I used to think they were stupid (for not recognizing the math involved) I now think they are just plain evil.

Sounds like Gollum in Lord of the Rings, "We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious. They stole it from us. Sneaky little hobbitses rebelses. Wicked, tricksy, false!" (/gollum voice)

Now that was pretty good. :)

[BroJoeK]

DiogenesLamp letting his wildest fantasies to run wild:

"But in the run-up to war, it didn't really matter how many eventually seceded, what mattered is how many the "shadow government" thought would secede.
[We fantasize] people make plans based on what they think will happen, and they generally plan for the worst.
Take it as a given [by insane Lost Causers] that the war demands were based on worries of the maximum possible losses for the businessmen of New York."

DiogenesLamp expanding his fantasies to today: "I sometimes think pretend that is what they have planned to deal with the Social security crises.
I used to think imagine they were stupid (for not recognizing the math involved) I now think make-believe they are just plain evil. "