ABSTRACT
The north was well launched into industrial development and economic growth before the civil war came. The years of civil strife had seen one of the greatest of American industries through the early stages of infancy – a coincidence which reflects the impact of war not at all, but rather the robust vigour of Northern society, and the rich resources at its disposal. The general picture of Northern industry at war is one of recovery during 1862 from a sluggish start, and emergence into a tremendous boom in the last two years of the struggle, when prices and profits were high, and opportunities almost limitless. The free enterprise, free labour society of the North applied itself to the tasks of war, wastefully and clumsily perhaps, but successfully none the less, and it emerged with a renewed faith in its virtue and its strength.
