In 1860, tariffs were still relatively low and Southern Democrats had voted them into effect.
Federal spending on forts was about equal or even greater in the Southern states.
When it came to other items, more money did go to the North, but that was because the population was larger.
Over 2/3rds of the population lived in the free states, and if I'm not mistaken, about 2/3rds of federal expenditures went there.
If you take only the free population into account, I'd say that Southerners got more than their share of federal funds.
But of course, when people want to complain about something, they find something to complain about -- even if it's not really there.
In 1860, tariffs were still relatively low and Southern Democrats had voted them into effect.
Federal spending on forts was about equal or even greater in the Southern states.
When it came to other items, more money did go to the North, but that was because the population was larger.
Over 2/3rds of the population lived in the free states, and if I’m not mistaken, about 2/3rds of federal expenditures went there.
If you take only the free population into account, I’d say that Southerners got more than their share of federal funds.
But of course, when people want to complain about something, they find something to complain about — even if it’s not really there.
The Morrill tariff had passed the House and was sure to pass the Senate. All that was needed was the standard logrolling to pick off a senator or two. Buchanan signed it and Lincoln had campaigned on it so there’s no question it was going to pass. It immediately doubled tariff rates.
Federal spending was much greater in the North for a variety of things - especially corporate subsidies and infrastructure projects. Meanwhile about 75% of federal revenues were paid by Southerners who were the primary exporters and importers.