What was the basis of wealth in the Norther states?

Answer 1

Leading up to the US Civil War, the Northern States had been constructing an industrialized economy, just as it had before slavery became a divisive issue in the 1800's.

The North had already established ports of trade well before the Revolutionary War with Great Britain. In addition, the North was active in trading with other European nations.

Waterfalls and rivers were supplying the energy needs of new factories and shipyards. There was an active fishery industry too. The North's textile mills were using cotton from the south to produce clothing and other products. The North also was the main entry points for new immigrants from Europe that found work in the factories. And the North was not without farming and its products as well.

All this contributed to the wealth of the North.

Answer 2

The basic wealth of the North was in their ability to manufacture products from raw materials. Thus we have the North importing cotton for example to have the North's textile mills produce clothing and other products. The North also had a machinery building industry that used iron ore and coal to keep the steel mills working and producing, as example, rails for the expanding railroad industry. The North also had a ship building industry and a fishing industry. Certain States and territories grew grains such as wheat and barely.

The North also had a "weapons" building sector as well. In addition New York City was becoming a greater financial center. The construction industry was also a plus for the North.