The records of congress indicate that the federal government adopted a tariff of about 17% average rate in 1857. That tariff was in place through 1860. So yes, Walt. There were federal taxes in 1860.
Even the tariff in 1860 was lower than any since 1816.
The Morrill Tariff could not have passed if the rebel senators had retained their seats. And a tariff is not a tax. Buy American and you won't pay a penny.
Walt
We've already been over that red herring many times, Walt. The south liked the pre-Morrill tariff of 1857 because it was pro-free trade. It was one of the lowest rates in the world. They did not like the Morrill tariff though because it hiked the rate to over 45% and killed off their trade-based economy.
The Morrill Tariff could not have passed if the rebel senators had retained their seats.
That is simply false, Walt. Senator Wigfall calculated the voting strength of the south in the incoming senate on December 12, 1861. It had a pro-northern majority that was about to be increased. The best case scenario, holding that every single southern senator remained and voted in a block plus gained the support of all the swing vote senators, was a tie in which case the Republican VP would cast the deciding vote in favor of the north.
And a tariff is not a tax.
Put down that hookah and go tell that to any political scientist, economist, or lawmaker of your choice, Walt. Then tell me what they say to you when they finish laughing.
Buy American and you won't pay a penny.
Not if American costs $1 and import without the tariff costs 50 cents. In that case I end up paying 50 pennies.
Hey everbody! Check out this latest gem of wisdom by Waltrot!
Obviusly economics was not your forte or your minor. Import tariffs protect American industry - not consumers. Tariffs allow American industries to charge more for their own goods, and also reduce competetion. If a US widget costs (retail) $1.50, and that from overseas $1.25, a 47% import tariff raises the price of the foreign widget to $1.84. As long as the tariff is in place, it allows American widgets to sell domestically at a level of $1.50 - $1.84. And if the foreign product is superior to the American, the foreign widgets will still be purchased for a very good reason.
Secondly, retalitory tariffs are often imposed by foreign governments, making American exports more expensive. Thus the American exporters experience a reduction in profits and volume. Tariffs only benefit the industry they protect - all others pay for their subsidization.
Most Americans have no problem supporting/purchasing American products, just don't rob them in the process.