Thesis Statement: Terrain advantage was the principal reason for the American victory at Buena Vista, a decisive battle of the Mexican War. Discussion: Americans won the battle of Buena Vista because they occupied an easily defendable area called "La Angostura", or the Narrows. The tactical employment of American forces in conjunction with the terrain, enabled them to defeat an army three times larger. Conclusion: If done properly, terrain analysis and selection of the battlefield gives an army a distinct advantage. Had the American forces not chosen this site they probably would have lost the battle of Buena Vista.

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