Final answer:
Waterways were strategically important during wars for troop transport, naval attacks, and natural barriers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Waterways were strategically important during wars for several reasons. Firstly, they provided a means of transport for troops, equipment, and supplies. For example, during World War II, the Rhine River served as a crucial transportation route for the Allies as they advanced into Germany. Secondly, waterways could be used to launch naval attacks or blockades. During the American Civil War, the Union's control of the Mississippi River effectively divided the Confederacy and restricted their ability to move troops and supplies. Lastly, waterways offered natural barriers that could impede enemy movements. In World War I, the network of canals in Belgium served as a defensive line, causing the German army to redirect their attacks.
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