The North was also called, Union or United States. The North was made of free states (states that never had slavery). During that time Abraham Lincoln was the president of the United States. About 21 million people lived in the North. Also during that time after the 11 states seceded from the Union, there were still 23 states remaining. 70% of the railroads was in the North. The North had a functioning government and they had a small Army and Navy.