[Second Amendment First]

Except for the fact that such mechanized farm equipment didn't exist. The first viable mechanical cotton harvester wasn't made until 1943. Also, the cotton gin was mechanical farm equipment that actually made slavery more profitable.

The capital (human, as well as dollars) that was spent was lost waging war, that could have accelerated those innovations.

[LexBaird]

The capital (human, as well as dollars) that was spent was lost waging war, that could have accelerated those innovations.

Or not. Maybe it would have calcified the institution further. Unless you have specific evidence, it's all mighta', coulda', woulda'.