- Twenty-three states that remained loyal to the Union.
- The economy of the North was more industrialized and its manufacturing sector was larger.
- The population was more diverse, with a large number of immigrants from Europe.
- The Navy of Northern states was larger and stronger.
Confederacy or Southern states:
- Eleven states that seceded from the Union.
- The economy was more agricultural and it relied on slave labor.
- The majority of its population was white, it had a significant number of African slaves.
- The Army was larger and more experienced in combat.