Rising inflation in union states during the Civil War meant that

It meant that the cost of food and other items increased.

Explanation:

While most of the fighting didn't occur in the north, or the Union, because it mostly happened on the border of the Union and the Confederates, or in the south (Confederate States) themselves, the Union thrived in inflation

hello!

according to the passage the most suitable options are two. the first one is "by leading the aef to victory in several key battles" like the battle of saint- mihiel and the battle of cantigny mentioned in the passage you copied here. the second one is "by the aef and allied forces defeat germany" since the passage says that his army destroy the german resistance in the meuse- argonne offensive. and also, "by insisting that the aef operate as an independent force".

hope this