Why did Ly Thuong Kiet decide to build a defensive line against the Song army at the Nhu Nguyet River?

Why did Ly Thuong Kiet decide to build a defensive line against the Song army at the Nhu Nguyet River?

The second resistance against the Song Dynasty (1075–1077) was a strategically significant battle, and the decision to choose the Nhu Nguyet River as the main defensive line by Ly Thuong Kiet was an excellent military move. This decision was based on various geographic, military, and strategic factors. To be specific:

1. The Nhu Nguyet River blocks all land routes that the Song army might use to advance into Thang Long

The Nhu Nguyet River is a large river running across key land routes leading to the capital, Thang Long. It serves as a natural defensive line effectively blocking any attack routes by the Song army advancing from the northern borders deep into the interior of Dai Viet.

Choosing this location directly protected the political and economic center of the country, preventing the war from spreading.

2. During that time, the Nhu Nguyet River had a deep and wide riverbed, acting as a natural trench difficult to cross

The Dai Viet army exploited this advantage to establish strong defensive positions such as bamboo fortifications, watchtowers, deep trenches, and submerged stakes under the riverbed. This posed immense challenges for the Song army in organizing river crossings for their attacks.

3. The Song forces were primarily infantry

The Song army was mainly composed of infantry with some cavalry, while their skills in riverine warfare were poor. Additionally, mobilizing such a large force made them heavily dependent on logistics and encountering difficulties when moving through complex terrains such as the Nhu Nguyet River.

Ly Thuong Kiet was well aware of this weakness, so he proactively chose a terrain disadvantageous for the Song army but advantageous for the Dai Viet army, who were experienced in water warfare. This caused the Song army's attacks to be quickly thwarted, and their morale diminished due to continuous failures against unexpected counterattacks.

In summary: The decision to build a defensive line at the Nhu Nguyet River was a perfect combination of natural geographic advantages and the outstanding military strategic skills of Ly Thuong Kiet.

It was not only a favorable defensive position but also served as a steel shield protecting the capital Thang Long, while allowing the Dai Viet forces to maximize their strengths in riverine combat, leading to a glorious victory against the powerful Song army.

Why did Ly Thuong Kiet decide to build a defensive line against the Song army at the Nhu Nguyet River? (Image from the Internet)

Which Circular will the assessment of 7th-grade History and Geography in Vietnam follow?

Under Article 1 of Circular 22/2021/TT-BGDDT:

cope and regulated entities

1. This Circular prescribes assessment of training and learning results of students in lower secondary education level and students in upper secondary education level (hereinafter referred to as “students”), including: assessment of training and learning results of students; use of assessment results; responsibilities of agencies, organizations, and individuals.

2. This Circular applies to lower secondary education institutions, upper secondary education institutions, multi-level education institutions, specialized education institutions, and other education institutions providing formal education program issued by Minister of Education and Training (hereinafter referred to as “formal education program”), relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Under Article 21 of Circular 22/2021/TT-BGDDT:

 Entry into force

1. This Circular comes into force from September 5, 2021 according to following roadmap:

- From school year of 2021-2022 for the 6th grade.

- From school year of 2022-2023 for the 7th and 10th grade.

- From school year of 2023-2024 for the 8th and 11th grade.

- From school year of 2024-2025 for the 9th and 12th grade.

....

Thus, the assessment of 7th-grade History and Geography will follow Circular 22/2021/TT-BGDDT.

What are the objectives of assessing students in Vietnam?

Under Article 3 of Circular 22/2021/TT-BGDDT, student assessment aims for the following objectives:

- identify the level of accomplishment of training and learning tasks of students as per requirements under formal education program;

- provide accurate and timely information to allow students to adjust training and learning activities while allowing education officials and teachers to adjust teaching activities.