Which of the following contributed to the north's steady population growth in the years prior to the civil war? the opportunity for people to find gold and silver the availability of large areas of land at low prices a mass migration of former slaves to the area an increase in the number of factories and jobs

Although there were many factors, the greatest was "an increase in the number of factories and jobs". Industrialization had begun in the United States, opening up many more factory positions.

The transcontinental railroad provided a means of fast transportation. it cut a 6 month trip into 6 days, created jobs for many people and encouraged immigration. the homestead act played a huge role in western expansion; it allowed settlers to begin a fresh start, and gave them land in exchange for their residence for up to five years and a small fee.