Final answer:
The North's superior railroad infrastructure facilitated the efficient movement of troops and supplies, contributing to the Union's victory in the Civil War, while the South's limited rail capabilities contributed to its hardships and eventual defeat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference in railroad miles significantly impacted the outcome of the Civil War. The North, with its extensive railroad grid, superior industrial capabilities, and larger population was better equipped for mobilizing troops and supplies.
With over 30,000 miles of track at the war's onset compared to the South's limited rail infrastructure, the North could move men and materials with greater ease and efficiency. This transportation advantage allowed the Union to sustain a prolonged war effort, contributing to its eventual victory.
During the war, the Union government oversaw the expansion of the railroad network, adopting standardized rail tracks that further enhanced their logistical capacity. As the war continued, the South suffered from material shortages, lower morale, and a strained economy, partly due to its inferior railroad system.
Post-war, railroads continued to play a pivotal role in America's industrial expansion, such as in steel manufacturing, and set the stage for significant economic and societal transformations.