Answer:
At the outset of the Civil War, both the North and the South had advantages and disadvantages. The North had a larger population, more resources, and better transportation systems. They also had an established government and a standing army. However, the North was not as motivated to fight the war and had less experienced military leadership.
The South, on the other hand, had strong military leadership and was more motivated to fight the war. They also had a well-trained cavalry and were fighting on their own territory. However, the South had a smaller population, fewer resources, and a weaker economy.
Despite these advantages and disadvantages, the North emerged victorious due to several factors. The most important advantage that led to the North's victory was their superior resources, including more troops, supplies, and funding. The North was able to use their industrial might to produce the necessary resources to sustain a prolonged war effort.
Lincoln's decision to focus on ending slavery was a turning point because it gave the North a clear moral purpose for the war. This helped to rally support for the Union cause both domestically and internationally. It also had a strategic impact on the war effort by undermining the South's economy and weakening their army. The Emancipation Proclamation, which declared all slaves in Confederate-held territory to be free, helped to undermine the South's labor force and their ability to maintain their armies in the field.
In conclusion, while both the North and the South had advantages and disadvantages at the start of the Civil War, the North's superior resources and Lincoln's decision to focus on ending slavery were the most important factors in their victory.