What was a factor contributing to the North's delayed victory in the Civil War?

The North's delayed victory in the Civil War can be attributed to several factors, and inexperienced leadership played a significant role. At the war's onset, many of the Union's generals were not fully prepared for the scale and complexity of the conflict. Commanders like George B. McClellan, while capable in many respects, often hesitated and missed opportunities to engage Confederate forces decisively. This hesitation allowed the Confederacy to consolidate its strengths and maintain momentum in the early years of the war.

Additionally, the North's initial leadership struggles became evident through their inability to capitalize on strategic advantages, as evidenced in battles such as First Bull Run, where poor decisions by commanders contributed to an unexpected defeat. Over time, the North had to cycle through numerous leaders before settling on more effective military strategists like Ulysses S. Grant, which further delayed their success.

In contrast, the other factors, such as the North's ample manpower, industrial capabilities, and naval resources, ultimately provided significant advantages, although these were initially underutilized or hampered by leadership issues. Therefore, inexperienced leadership stands out as a primary factor contributing to the North's delayed victory.