What was the North’s main goal at the commencement of hostilities? *

To Restore the Union.

Explanation:

"From the outset of the rebellion in 1861, Lincoln's overriding goal had been to bring the Southern states quickly back into the fold in order to restore the Union.These members of Congress, known as Radical Republicans, wanted to remake the South and punish the rebels."

the answer is b hope that

the allies' desire to seek retribution for germany's actions