The American Civil War (1861-1865) Economic and social divisions between northern and southern states come to a climax and war is inevitable. But can the South win a war against the richer, more populous North? There are 9 million people in the South, but more than twice that number in the North: 22 million. And the North has better transportation and more resources. In the textile industry alone, the North boasts 900 factories. The entire South has only 150. Despite the odds, the South embarks on a struggle for Independence. This war will be the bloodiest and most violent in America’s history. More Americans die in this war than any other war that follows. North Carolina sends and loses more troops than any other state in the Confederacy.