Historians, politicians, and neo-secessionists who argue that the Civil War… was caused by the Federal government’s manipulation of tariffs are at best terribly deluded, at worst, they are scurrilous ideologues with a shameful political agenda.
A brief history lesson for Tom DiLorenzo, Governor Greg Abbott, President Donald Trump, the Freedom Caucus, Ron and Rand Paul, and any other woefully misguided students of history:
- Article 1, Section 8 of the Federal Constitution- The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States……… Really, this should explain it, but secessionists were never concerned with Constitutional restraint.
- The first tariff in our history was signed into law by George Washington on July 4, 1789.
- The Walker Tariff of 1845 slashed duties in place since the Whig’s controlled Congress- A southern coalition pushed for the reduction
- Tariffs were reduced again in 1852 and 1857. The 1857 tariff was only 18%- the lowest since the 18th century.
- The Morrill Tariff of 1861 was not passed until Southerners had already resigned from Congress. During the secession crisis, Southern Senators had blocked the increase. When in place, it raised the duty from 18-36%.
The Civil War was caused by slavery- not tariffs
https://www.historynet.com/causes-of-the-civil-war
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Like I said, not the tariff…but “Lost Cause” types continue to argue the point.
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The HISTORY CHANNEL is a lost cause? They may be bias at times, but jeez, calling them lost?
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I was referring to the group of people who refuse to acknowledge slavery as the issue that caused the war.
Read my post. There is no historical proof that the tariff incited secession.
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I see your point, but it was not the sole reason.
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Cornerstone speech- Alexander Stephens.
Nothing more need be said.
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Except State’s Rights.
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The rights to….. ?
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What are your thoughts on the idea that the Civil War was predestined from day 1 of the US? .I toy with this idea frequently. The vast divide between State’s rights folks and the strong central government folks…the inclusion of slaves as 3/5 of a person…then, once all that new territory opened up via the Louisiana Purchase and the Mexican War, the way to civil war was wide open.
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I think there is validity to the idea that the conflict was likely. I believe Clay’s efforts were essential, as secession in 1820 or 1850 would have resulted in a limited and meaningless conflict.
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