It was supposed to prevent the export of cotton and smuggling of war materials into the confederacy. The confederacy constructed torpedo boats to try and get around it.
The Eastern European kingdoms differed significantly from the Western European ones.
The influence in Eastern Europe, both political and religious, was more complicated, intermingled, and open for new ideologies. Since Eastern Europe was much more exposed to Asia influence, and the territory itself is much more open, there were multiple influences. There were kingdoms that were influenced by Orthodox Christianity, like the Russ, there were some that were influenced by Islam, like the Crimean Tatars, and some that were influenced by paganism, like the Cumans. The political view was a mixture of different influences, but in general it was based on the political structure of the Eurasian steppes, and the influence of the long gone Scythian's was easily noticeable because most of the nations that lived here were actually descendants in one way or another from them. The religious influence played a big role too, and it was easily noticeable that some kingdoms were adding elements of the Byzantine political system, while some of the Caliphates.
When you recite the Pledge of Allegiance, you promise to uphold American ideals and values which include liberty, justice and equal rights for all. With freedom comes responsibility, therefore, you are also acknowledging your duty to respect other people's freedom. At the same time, you are submitting to justice both for you and for other. Finally, equal rights for all includes your rights before the law and also recognizing other people's rights. An example of this in your everyday life would be freedom of religion, one is free to exercise whichever religion one likes. As a citizen of the United States one has that right, but so do all other citizens, that is having equal rights. If one commits a crime even for religious reasons, there will be justice.
