Final answer:
The strengths of the North at the outset of the Civil War included a larger population, greater industrial capabilities, and a well-developed railroad grid. These strengths influenced their strategies focused on mobilizing their resources and establishing supply lines.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the outset of the American Civil War, the North had a number of strengths that influenced their strategies. These strengths included a larger population, which gave them more manpower reserves, and greater industrial capabilities that allowed them to produce more war materials and move goods more quickly than the South.
The North also had a well-developed railroad grid, making it easier for them to mobilize men and supplies for the war effort. Additionally, the North had abundant food supply due to the farms in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the Old Northwest, and the prairie states.
However, the North also had weaknesses that influenced their strategies. They needed to establish long supply lines and fight on unfamiliar ground with a hostile civilian population. Furthermore, after defeating the Southern forces, they would need to pacify a conquered Confederacy, which presented a daunting task.
These strengths and weaknesses led the North to adopt strategies focused on mobilizing their resources, utilizing their industrial capabilities, and establishing supply lines. They also had to address the challenge of dealing with a hostile civilian population and pacifying the conquered Confederacy.