Final answer:
The Confederate strengths during the Civil War were the ability to wage a defensive war, access to the resources of the Upper South states, and experienced military leadership, not a strong navy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Confederate strengths going into the Civil War included the ability to wage a defensive war, benefiting from shorter supply lines and the resources of the Upper South states. These states, including Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas, contributed significantly to the Confederacy's war effort in terms of manpower and industrial resources. Additionally, the military leadership of the Confederacy was considered an advantage, with many experienced officers from the United States Military Academy at West Point. However, the Confederacy did not possess a strong navy, which was an important factor in its ability to sustain the war efforts, particularly with the Union's effective blockade. Dissent within the Confederacy regarding the central government's power and class divisions also impacted their ability to fight effectively.