Final answer:
The strengths of the Northern side during the Civil War included a larger population, stronger industrial capabilities, an extensive railroad grid, and abundant food supply.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Northern side had several strengths during the Civil War:
- Large population: The North had a population of around 22 million people, while the South had around 9 million. This larger population provided the North with greater manpower reserves to draw upon.
- Industrial capabilities: The North had a stronger industrial capacity, with 1.3 million northerners working in factories compared to 110,000 southerners. Northern factories produced nine times as many industrial goods as southern factories.
- Extensive railroad grid: The North had a more developed rail system in terms of total track and operating efficiency. This advantage allowed the North to mobilize men and supplies more effectively for the war effort.
- Abundant food supply: The farms of New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the Old Northwest, and the prairie states supplied Northern civilians and Union troops with abundant food throughout the war, unlike the South where food shortages were common due to the emphasis on cotton production.