Using irrigation to combat lack of natural resources <span />
The Norman Invasion began in the year 1066.
Then you have military geniuses on the confederate side, Stonewall Jackson, Robert E Lee, and the more controversial leaders Nathan Bedford Forrest and Stand Watie. While they fought for the wrong side, they were great leaders. The north had generals and leaders like grant, Farragut, Mclellan, and Custer.