Final answer:
The North had more industrial development, a better rail system, and abundant food supply compared to the South when the Civil War began.
Step-by-step explanation:
The advantages of the North compared to the South when the Civil War began were:
- The North had more industrial development, as it had larger factories and produced more industrial goods compared to the South.
- The North had a better rail system, which made it easier to mobilize men and supplies for the war effort.
- The North had abundant food supply from its farms, while the South suffered from food shortages due to focusing on cotton production.