I do not argue that my graphic has a high degree of accuracy, only that it shows a more realistic view of what the economic differential would have been if the South had been allowed to be an independent nation not shackled by laws which favored existing monopolies in the North East.
After creating it, it occurred to me the point might be made clearer by simply creating a map showing piles of Gold coins on both the Union and the Confederacy to illustrate the economics of before and after with an independent confederacy.
The point here that the Union apologists are not grasping is that the economic benefit of Independency for the South goes way beyond the direct impact of ridding themselves of protective tariffs.
They would also lose the 40% "vigorish" charges that New York was imposing on them, and they would have seen increased trade as middle man costs were eliminated.
The consequence would be creating more profits for the Europeans as well as the Southerners at the expense of New York/New England. This would increase trade over what it already was between Europe and the Confederate states.
The Astute New York businessmen who had the President's ear could see these dangers all too clearly, and that is why they exerted pressure on this already Mercantilist President to intervene on their behalf.
The Bloodshed and upheaval of the Civil War was the consequence of certain power blocks in New York/New England trying to keep their income streams from slavery produced money.
They and their Mercantilist President sold the public relations as if they were doing something noble.
Always follow the money. It will point to the truth, despite the lies of men.
