French naval support affected the war beyond transporting troops and supplies. Amphibious operations offered a way around defended positions along stretches of Mexico's coast. Suitable landing beaches alternated with difficult coastline, creating opportunities to bypass an enemy rather than attack directly. Republican commanders therefore had to account for that threat when positioning their field forces, even though the French used the capability less often than they could have.
Notable Point · 7:46-8:35
How French amphibious power constrained Mexican armies
French sea power threatened to bypass republican positions even when landings were infrequent.