This quote is what Marx used to summarize an important speech he gave in 1848 on the question of a free trade system vices a protectionist (tariff) system, with was being debated by the English.
But, in general, the protective system of our day is conservative, while the free trade system is destructive. It breaks up old nationalities and pushes the antagonism of the proletariat and the bourgeoisie to the extreme point. In a word, the free trade system hastens the social revolution. It is in this revolutionary sense alone, gentlemen, that I vote in favor of free trade.
"the protective system [] is conservative" Well there we have it. Marx recognizes that a tariff system is conservative and therefore he is against it.
free trade system is destructive Well, that do you know Marx see the free trade system as destructive but what does free trade destroy? Marx tells us in the next sentence
It breaks up old nationalities ... Oh no Mr Bill, you mean a free trade system will destroy the good old USA? Yup, that's how Marx sees it, and he is correct as current developments (WTO, NAFTA, GATT) show. But it gets worse.
[it, free trade] pushes the antagonism of the proletariat and the bourgeoisie to the extreme point. ... What this means free traders is that the free trade system chases the lowest cost labor and reduces to the lowest point, subsistence, all labor. That would be you, me and our children if we continue our insane trade policies. But it gets worse.
In a word, the free trade system hastens the social revolution ... Hmmm, this doesn't sound good. What this means is that once free trade has reduced labor costs to the subsistence level, well the workers will just say screw it kill the elites and demand a Marxists economy.
Ok, Mr Free trader, is this what you want? A socialist state? Cause that is what you are arguing for. While us "protectionist" are desperately pleading for a conservative national state with a prosperous working and middle class.
{snicker} Let me see, one misguided communist (Marx) says that “free trade is destructive”, and that’s your argument against me and free trade? ROTFLMAO (Rolling on the floor laughing my a~s off) Thank you for may best laugh of the week.
Regarding the North and the South, there were no tariffs between them. The North enveloped the South economically. Why is that? Come on guy. How’d it happen? Don’t change the subject. How’d the North manage to survive wage inequality and blow the South away economical and militarily?
Go ahead, side with Marx, and call me un-American.