The garrison had constructed numerous fortifications to improve the defensibility of the town. This left the Norwegian monarchy weakened in manpower, noble support, defensibility and economic power. Despite the city's poor defensibility, Congress insisted that Washington defend it. But the defensibility of late Roman forts must not be exaggerated. For blast protection and defensibility the tunnel was built with a dogleg. The defensibility of garrisons was critical, especially in hill stations with large European populations. This lack of transport independent of the river would limit the defensibility of Port Hudson. However, the cities, ravaged by years of warfare, lacked economic capacity and yielded little defensibility.