We obviously know that rivers can be used to transport MA and equipment to troops  if a land is blocked off ,but what vital role does it play on its position on the map.Such as Using it get through Mountain regions,using it as high during the winter,or the cutting an enemy's supply off.

One great example is During the "American Revolution" when Washington used the Delaware River in a snowstorm to surprise the British,at the Battle Of Trenton if he had marched they would of been  worn out.The victory at Trenton allowed Washington to support of more troops.

During the Civil War Union troops blockade the Mississippi to stop Federalist boats from incoming and outgoing strangling the Souths hold of needed supplies.

Before the battle of Vicksburg General Ulysses S.Grant marches from the west to south heading  towards northeast east again to seizes towns east of the Mississippi and makes his way up to win victory at Vicksburg




At the Batlle of Ailwal in 1846 in India the Sikhs were encamped between 2 rivers. The river had risen 7 inches the night before and when the Sikhs attempted to cross it thousands died since they were in between both rivers.

The Battle of Mohi were the Mongols flank the Hungarians by crossing the Sajo river.They use this tactic most effectively on The Battle of Kalka River which gives the Mongols very small amounts of casualties

Heres the link

http://books.google.com/books?id=xiEMAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA122&lpg=PA122&dq=decisive+battles+on+rivers&source=bl&ots=D0QXUz-6yx&sig=jzkt6mtQDVeB62MhvCRiePzDb40&hl=en&ei=1AcdSv6BLtqntgeR17nZDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1

Edited by AksumVanguard - 27-May-2009 at 10:51

Pusan perimeter in the Korean War......er Police action. Allowed the US to build up.