US Wars

“Yes, I really tremble at the thought of my country, as soon as I think that the Lord God is just and will reward her according to her deserts” — Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States

US Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George Bush Sr., George W. Bush, Barack Obama and lists of countries in which wars took place under these presidents due to the American invasion or other actions of the United States

This article provides a list of cases of the use of the US armed forces – abroad and for domestic punitive operations. The United States of America throughout its history has constantly taken part in wars, interventions and punitive operations. Many of these conflicts were direct aggression against independent states or territories.

In terms of the number of wars in almost any period of time, the United States significantly exceeds any other state, including Russia. It is worth noting that, with rare exceptions, American invasions were not justified by any threat to the security of the United States itself, but were aimed at seizing new territories or establishing political and economic influence in foreign countries. Characteristically, despite the huge number of military operations, the United States officially declared war only 11 times. In the list of the main aggressor countries, the United States of America occupies an honorable first place. On average, the United States has attacked someone once a year since independence.

Most often, US military operations were military interventions that violated international law. Many of these interventions have resulted in numerous unjustified civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure and, as a result, plunging entire countries into chaos.

The article shows US military operations since the country's independence, including joint military actions with other countries.

US Wars in the 18th century

1775-1799

• American War of Independence (1775-1783)

War of the Thirteen Colonies against the British Empire for independence. The fighting ended with the complete victory of the American troops and the declaration of independence. A truce was concluded in Paris on November 30, 1782, and on September 3, 1783, Great Britain recognized the independence of the United States.

• Cherokee War (1776)

A series of armed conflicts with the Cherokee Indians. During the conflict, there was a struggle for control over the territories of eastern Tennessee and eastern Kentucky. Previously, under British rule, land was legally assigned to the Indians as property.

• Chickamoga Wars (1776-1794)

Continuation of the war with the Cherokee Indians and a broader coalition of Indian tribes trying to stop the expansion of American settlers across their territory. As a result, the Indians finally lost the lands of Tennessee and Kentucky.

• Northwest Indian War (1785-1795)

War with Indian tribes for control of territories northwest of the Ohio River. As a result, the Americans took possession of the lands of today's Ohio and took control of the lands of modern Indiana.

• Shays Rebellion (1786-1787)

and western Massachusetts, led by Revolutionary War veteran Captain Daniel Shays and directed against judicial, property, and land statutory injustice. The uprising is crushed, but Shays is pardoned.

• War with France (1788-1790)

Naval clashes between the United States and the French Republic. Known as the Quasi-War or Semi-War because it was never declared. It lasted two years, and in 1800 a peace treaty was concluded.

US Wars in the 19th century

1800-1809

• First Barbary War (1801— 1805)

A series of US naval battles with a number of North African states (the independent Sultanate of Morocco and three vassals of the Ottoman Empire – Algeria, Tunisia and Tripolitania). The war was motivated by the need to protect US maritime trade from Barbary pirates.

1810-1819

• The Anglo-American War (1812-1815)

The conflict between the United States and Great Britain during the Napoleonic Wars, which became for the Americans “the second War of Independence”. Many Indian tribes fought on the side of Great Britain, dissatisfied with the US occupation of their lands. As a result, the United States confirmed its status as a sovereign power, despite the fact that the Anglo-Canadian troops burned down the American capital Washington during the war. The consequence of the war was that the Indians lost the financial support of Great Britain (including the cessation of the supply of modern weapons) and were driven from their homes to Indian Territory. General Andrew Jackson made a name for himself “solving the Indian question” during and after the war, which led to his subsequent election as President of the United States.

• Invasion of Florida (1812-1819)

The capture and occupation of territories east of the Mississippi, which at that time belonged to a weakened Spain. The invasion included several major ground operations under the command of General Andrew Jackson.

• Second Barbary War (1815)

Second US conflict with a number of North African countries (Algeria , Tunisia and Tripolitania). The result of the war was a complete refusal to pay the ransom to the pirate states.

• The Invasion of Oregon (1818)

The invasion of the frigate “Ontario” at the mouth of the Columbia River (on the Pacific coast) and the subsequent occupation of the state of Oregon, which was then under the control of Britain, Spain and Russia.

1820-1829

• Landings in Cuba (1822-1825)

Several naval operations against pirates, with landings on the Spanish island of Cuba.

• Invasion of Puerto Rico (1824)

The landing of an American assault force of two hundred people, led by David Porter, on the territory of the Puerto Rican city of Fajardo. For the official reason to fight piracy, in reality because of the insults of several American sailors by the locals. Porter was later court-martialed for exceeding his powers.

1840-1849

• Invasion of the Fiji Islands (1840)

U.S. Navy punitive operation against the natives in the Fiji Islands, during which several villages were destroyed.

• Invasion of Samoa (1841)

Punitive operation against the inhabitants of the island Upolu after killing an American soldier there.

• Attack on Mexico (1842)

A mistaken attack by a squadron under the command of Thomas Jones on the city of Monterey, which was under the jurisdiction of Mexico. After clarifying all the circumstances, the American troops withdrew.

• Invasion of China (1843)

Amphibious invasion of China, where American and Chinese merchants had previously clashed in Canton.

• Mexican-American War (1846-1848)

Military conflict with Mexico, also known as the North American intervention. The war began after the Americans annexed Texas in 1845 (the Texans had previously declared independence from Mexico). It ended with the loss of vast territories by the Mexicans. The United States was given Upper California and New Mexico – the lands of the modern states of California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

1850-1859

• Invasion of Argentina (1852— 1853)

American amphibious invasion of Buenos Aires to protect American interests during the Argentine Revolution.

• Invasion of Nicaragua (1853)

Invasion of Nicaragua to protect the American population during the riots that broke out there.

• Attack on Nicaragua (1854)

Attack and destruction of the Nicaraguan city of San Juan del Norte after the wounding of an American ambassador and refusal to pay compensation.

• Military operations in Shanghai (1854)

Military operation to protect US trade interests in Shanghai. Several naval operations against pirates.

• Invasion of the Fiji Islands (1855)

Another invasion of the Fiji Islands in order to recover compensation from the population for an attack on American military.

• Invasion of Uruguay (1855)

The United States and a number of European countries invaded Uruguay to protect their interests during an attempted coup in Montevideo.

• The Landing in Panama (1856)

Landing in Panama to protect US interests.

• Participation in the Second Opium War with China (1856)

Intervention in the armed conflict between England, France and China. The war was a punitive operation against the Chinese, who were trying to counter the smuggling British opium trade. As a result, the Chinese were defeated, lost a number of territories and were forced to open their domestic market to European and American trade. Russia, in order to save Beijing from plunder, agreed to recognize the territory of the Amur Territory as Russian.

• War in Utah (1857-1858)

Armed conflict between the federal government and the Mormons within the state of Utah. During the conflict, 120 civilians were killed. The federal government eventually appointed its own governor to the state.

• Invasions of Nicaragua (1857)

Two invasions of Nicaragua to protect American interests.

• Invasion of Uruguay (1858)

Invasion of Uruguay to protect American private property.

• Invasion of the Fiji Islands (1858)

Punitive operation in the Fiji Islands due to the murder of an American soldier, during which 14 civilians were killed and 114 huts were burned.

• Invasion of Mexico (1859)

The illegal invasion of Mexico by two hundred American soldiers, during the pursuit of a Mexican nationalist.

• Participation in the Second Opium War with China (1859)

Another invasion of China to protect US economic interests.

1860-1869

• Invasion of Colombia (1860)

Invasion of Colombia during a revolution there to protect US interests.

• American Civil War (1861-1865)

Internal war in the USA between 24 states of the North and 11 states of the South. The main reasons were the question of the abolition of slavery, trade and economic contradictions between the North and the South, as well as the struggle of northerners and southerners for control of federal power. More US citizens died in this war than in any other conflict in the history of the country. The war officially ended on May 10, 1865 with the victory of the North. There was a final abolition of slavery throughout the United States.

The conflict is remarkable in that it was later mirrored by the events of 2013 around Syria: the then analogue of the current United States, the British Empire, did not support the legitimate government in Washington, but the southerners, threatening to start a blockade of the North, or even a military operation against it from the sea. Under these conditions, the savior of the legitimate power turned out to be … the Russian navy, which deployed powerful cruising squadrons in New York and San Francisco in 1863.

• Fights for Shimonoseki (1863)

The conflict, the prologue of which was the naval battle between the United States and Japan in the Shimonoseki Strait, during which 40 Japanese sailors and 4 American sailors were killed. Later, English, French and Dutch forces joined the US fleet. The reason was the reluctance of the Japanese to allow foreigners into their country, but they only managed to hold out for a little over a year.

• Invasion of Panama (1865)

Invasion of Panama during the coup d'état. The goal was to protect American citizens and property.

• Invasion of Mexico (1866)

Invasion of Mexico led by General Sedgwick to protect American citizens.

• China (1866)

Punitive operation in China. The reason was the attack on the American consul.

• Nicaragua (1867)

American soldiers occupied two Nicaraguan cities – Managua and Leon.

• Taiwan (1867)

A punitive operation against the inhabitants of Formosa Island (Taiwan), during which several huts of local residents were destroyed.

• Invasion of Japan (1868)

Several American landings in Japan to protect American interests during the civil war there.

1870-1879

• Invasion of Korea (1871)

Invasion and capture of five Korean ports by US troops. The reason was the deadlocked trade negotiations, the unsuccessful outcome of which infringed on US trade interests. Also during the conflict, a number of punitive operations were carried out against local residents.

• Violations of the Mexican border (1873-1896)

Multiple violations of the Mexican border for various reasons.

• Suppression of the Hawaiian Riot (1874)

Joint operation with Great Britain to suppress the Hawaiian Riot, staged by supporters of Queen Emma against King Kalakaua.

• Invasion of Mexico (1876)

Invasion of the Mexican city of Matamoros during the absence of a legitimate government.

1880 —1889

• Invasion of Egypt (1882)

American troops landed in Egypt to protect US interests during the war between England and Egypt.

• Invasion of Korea (1888)

In June 1888, American the naval forces landed troops in Korea to protect their citizens living in Seoul from the expected unrest.

• Operation in Samoa (1888-1889)

Military operation in Samoa to protect American property and consulate during the civil war there.

• Hawaii (1889)

Military operation in the Hawaiian Islands to protect American citizens during the revolution taking place there.

1890-1899

• Invasion of Argentina (1890)

Amphibious landing to protect the American consulate and diplomatic mission in Buenos Aires.

• Chile (1891)

Military operation in Chile to protect civilians from the clashes that took place during the revolution in Valparaiso.

• Coup d'état in the Hawaiian Islands (1893)

On January 16, American troops landed in Hawaii under the pretext of protecting US civilians and their property. In reality, it was an operation to overthrow the legitimate government of the Kingdom of Hawaii and establish a protectorate regime there. This fact was not recognized by the US government until 1993, when a formal apology was issued.

• Invasion of Nicaragua (1894-1898)

The invasion of Nicaragua to protect the national interests of the United States and the ensuing month-long occupation of the city of Bluefields. There were also operations in the cities of Corinto and San Juan del Sur.

• Korea (1894-1896)

Several US Marine Corps military operations in Seoul during and after the Sino-Japanese War.

• Spanish-American War (1898)

War of conquest against Spain for control of Cuba and other Spanish colonies. The mysterious explosion of the American ship USS Maine (ACR-1) in the harbor of the Cuban capital of Havana was used to set up American public opinion for this lawless war, killing 266 people (with most of the officers surviving). Most likely, the explosion was caused by an internal detonation of the ship's ammunition, or even a direct American sabotage. However, the Americans blamed Spain for what happened, although the guilt of the Spaniards was not proven during the investigation. As a result, Cuba came under the temporary control of the United States, and since 1902 became an independent state in the US zone of influence. The Spanish colonies of Guam, Puerto Rico and the Philippines became US colonies.

• Second Samoan Civil War (1898-1899)

American intervention in the second civil war in Samoa.

• Invasion of Nicaragua (1889)

Another invasion of Nicaragua to protect American interests in San Juan del Norte. The cause was the rebellion of General Juan P. Reyes.

• Philippine Revolution (1898-1901)

US intervention in the Philippine Revolution to use the revolutionary movement to its advantage.

• Philippine-American War (1899-1902)

Due to infighting in the Filipino leadership, the war for independence from the United States was lost by 1902, although guerrilla action continued until 1913. The Americans killed from 20 to 34 thousand soldiers and 200 thousand civilians, losing 6156 soldiers killed; 800 thousand people died from hunger and epidemics during the war. During the war, Filipinos were herded into concentration camps, “the outskirts of hell,” as one of the commandants called them.

US Wars in the 20th Century

1900-1909

• Yihetuan (Boxer) Rebellion (1899-1901)

The active participation of the United States in the suppression of the Boxer uprising in China, which broke out under the slogan of the expulsion of foreigners from the country. The actions of the rebels were characterized by extreme cruelty, including public executions of all foreigners and Christian Chinese (even babies). In response to this, the troops of all the leading powers of the then world were soon brought into China. The rebels were defeated. The greatest part of the US armed forces took part in the Battle of Beijing (1900).

• Civil War in Colombia (Secession of Panama) (1901-1902)

American troops intervened in the Colombian Revolution, during which Panama seceded from Colombia. Officially, the intervention took place to protect the property of US citizens. In reality, the most important goal was to take control of the part of the territory of Panama, on which the Americans intended to complete the construction of the Panama Canal – the most important point for world shipping. Subsequently, under a treaty of 1903, the United States received in perpetual possession “a zone of land under water for the construction, maintenance, operation, establishment of sanitary order and protection of the said channel.”

• Honduras (1903)

From March 23 to March 31, during the period of revolutionary unrest in Honduras, American troops protected the American consulate and the steamer at the pier on Puerto Cortes.

• Invasion of the Dominican Republic (1903)

From March 30 to April 21, a detachment of US Marines was landed to protect American interests in the city of Santo Domingo during the revolutionary riots there.

• Syria (1903)

From September 7 to September 12, American troops defended the American consulate in Beirut in response to the danger of a local Muslim uprising.

• Ethiopia (1903-1904)

25 US Marines were sent to Ethiopia to protect the Consul General during important negotiations.

• Panama (1903-1914)

Prolonged US military presence in Panama in order to control the territory of the future Panama Canal. Construction was completed in 1914 and the canal actually came under US control.

• Dominican Republic (1904)

From January 2 to February 11, US and British navies protected US interests in Puerto Plata, Sosua, and Santo Domingo City during the revolutionary upheavals there.

• Morocco (1904)

Amphibious landing in Tangier to protect the US Consul General.

• Korea (1904-1905)

Amphibious landing infantry in Korea to protect the American embassy during the Russo-Japanese War.

• Invasion of Cuba (1906-1909)

From September 1906 to January 23, 1909, American troops invaded Cuba several times with the aim of carrying out a revolution there, establishing and supporting a pro-American government.

• Honduras (1907)

From March 18 to June 8, during the war between Honduras and Nicaragua, American troops were deployed in the cities of Trujillo, Ceiba, Puerto Cortes, San Pedro Sula, Laguna and Choloma.

1910— 1919

• Occupation of Nicaragua (1910-1933)

The occupation of Nicaragua by US troops became part of a military conflict known as the Banana Wars. The main purpose of the invasion was to prevent the construction of the Nicaraguan Canal. Formally, the conflict began in 1910, when American forces invaded the Nicaraguan town of Bluefields. The operation took place from May 19 to September 4. A full-scale occupation began in the summer of 1912 with 100 US Marines, who some time later were joined by units from Panama. In fact, after that, the country became the colonial territory of American private companies. In 1914, the United States signed an agreement that was beneficial for itself, according to which only they had the right to build a shipping canal, but due to funding difficulties, the project was never implemented (especially since the Panama Canal, controlled by the Americans, had already been completed). The troops were finally withdrawn only with the onset of the Great Depression in 1933, which made the maintenance of the troops too expensive.

• Honduras (1911)

The invasion of Honduras during the civil war taking place there in order to protect the interests of the United States. The main task was to support former President Manuel Bonnila, who organized an uprising against the legitimately elected president.

• China (1911)

The deployment of American troops in China, during the Xinhai Revolution taking place there, as well as several operations to protect important US installations in Shanghai and Nanjing.

• Panama (1912)

The withdrawal of American troops from Panama Canal Zone to control elections in Panama.

• Cuba (1912)

From June 5 to August 5, American troops invaded the Cuban province of Oriente to protect US interests.

• China (1912-1941)

Several operations in China from August 24 to 30 to protect US interests during the Xinhai Revolution. A new round of operations began after the Japanese invasion of China. In 1927, the United States had 5,670 soldiers on land and 44 naval vessels off the coast. The final withdrawal of the US military took place in 1941.

• Haiti (1914)

From January 29 to October 19, the US Navy conducted a series of operations against protecting its citizens and US interests in Haiti.

• The Dominican Republic (1914)

In the summer of 1914, US naval forces intervened in the civil war in the Dominican Republic and stopped the rebel bombardment of the city of Puerto Plata. They also kept the city of Santo Domingo in no man's land with the threat of force.

• Conflict with Mexico (1914-1917)

During several armed clashes, the US army invaded Mexico, the Americans intervened in the internal political affairs of Mexico and took control of the government of Venustiano Carranza.

• Occupation of Haiti (1915-1934)

The invasion and subsequent occupation of Haiti, beginning on July 28, 1915, with the landing of 330 US Marines at Port-au-Prince. The invasion was ordered personally by President Woodrow Wilson, the goal was to protect the interests of American corporations. The occupation ended on August 1, 1934, with the approval of the liberation agreement by Franklin Roosevelt.

• China (1916)

U.S. soldiers landed in China to put down a riot that was taking place close to American property in Nanking.

• Dominican Occupation (1916-1924)

The eight-year occupation of the Dominican Republic by US troops, which is part of a series of military conflicts in South America called the Banana Wars. The invasion was carried out on May 13, 1916 under the pretext of protecting the country from German aggression and establishing an internal legislative order. And in November of the same year, the US authorities officially announced that the Dominican Republic was completely under the control of the American armed forces. The occupation ended in 1941 with the complete liberation of the country.

• China (1917)

The landing of American troops in Chongqing to protect US interests during an unstable political situation in China.

• World War I (1914-1918)

The United States entered World War I on April 6, 1917. Before that, they had not been quite successful in trying to remain neutral, but after the German attack on several American passenger ships, US President Woodrow Wilsen received permission from Congress to enter the war. After being mobilized in June 1917, the first units of American soldiers arrived in France to help defend Paris from a powerful German offensive. In total, 4 million Americans were mobilized for this war, of which 117,465 people died.

• Invasion of Cuba (1917-1922)

Invasion of Cuba for protecting the interests of the United States during the uprising that took place there. The bulk of the troops were withdrawn in 1919, but the city of Camagüey remained under occupation until February 1922.

• Battle of Ambos Nogales (1918)

After three unsanctioned American incursions into Mexican territory, the tension on the border escalated into a military clash. As a result, Mexico had to give up its legitimate demands to respect its own border. The total losses of the United States amounted to 4 people, the losses of Mexico – 28-30 people. In 1919, there were 6 more violations of the Mexican border under various formal pretexts.

• Panama (1918-1920)

American troops were used to restore order after elections in Panama and subsequent turmoil.

• Invasion of Russia (1918-1920)

After the October Revolution of 1917, in order to delimit zones of interest in the territories of the former Russian Empire, American troops, at the request of France and Great Britain, landed in the Far East in the city of Vladivostok in August 1918. In total, there were 7950 people in the expeditionary force under the command of Major General William Graves. Officially, the United States announced that it adheres to a policy of non-intervention and will not help any of the warring parties. After the defeat of Kolchak's army in 1919, the further presence of troops in Russia lost its meaning, and on April 1, 1920, all American soldiers were finally withdrawn from the territory of the Far East. According to some reports, the losses amounted to 189 people.

In 1918-1919 American soldiers were also part of the forces of the Western powers carrying out foreign military intervention in northern Russia. The interventionists took the side of the white movement. The allied forces, however, were passive and only defended themselves against the Red Army. The American Corps became famous for numerous cases of paying off military property from the soldiers of the Red Army and complete moral decay. In September 1919, they were evacuated due to a massive Bolshevik offensive.

• Croatia (1919)

American troops landed in Croatia at the request of Italy, to suppress clashes between Serbs and Italians.

• Turkey (1919)

Marines landed in Turkey to protect the US embassy during the Greek occupation of Constantinople.

• Honduras (1919)

From 8 to 12 September, amphibious assaults were sent on the coast of Honduras to restore order during an attempted revolution.

1920-1929

• China (1920)

March 14 American the landing force was landed on the Chinese coast to protect US citizens during the unrest in the city of Jiujiang.

• Guatemala (1920)

From April 9 to April 27, American troops defended US interests in Guatemala during a clash between rebels and the government.

• Intervention in Russia by the Siberia Corps (1920-1922)

From February 16, 1920 to November 19, 1922, the US Navy was sent to Russky Island (Primorsky Territory) to protect American property and a radio station.

• The Isthmus of Panama (1921)

A demonstration of force by the US Navy to prevent war between Panama and Costa Rica.

• Turkey (1922)

American landing after agreement with the locals was landed by the authorities in Turkey to protect US citizens during the Second Greco-Turkish War.

• China (1922-1923)

From April 1922 to November In 1923, American troops landed five times in China to protect their citizens from the mass unrest that took place in Chinese cities.

• Honduras (1924)

During 1924, American troops twice conducted operations in Honduras to protect their interests during the election campaign there.

• China (1924-1925)

In In September 1924, American troops landed in China to protect the consulate from armed mutinies in Shanghai. From January 15 to August 29, US troops again invaded China to restore order during mass unrest and demonstrations in Shanghai.

• Honduras (1925)

From April 19 to April 21, American troops took part in restoring order in the Honduran city of La Ceiba during the riots taking place there.

• Panama (1925)

For dispersal of mass strikes and riots, the United States introduced a military contingent of at least 600 soldiers. The operation took place from 12 to 23 October.

• Invasion of Nicaragua (1926-1933)

The invasion of American troops in Nicaragua to fight the revolutionaries under the command of General Chamorro, as well as to protect American trading companies. U.S. troops were stationed in Nicaragua until January 3, 1933.

• China (1926-1927)

Several operations in China to restore order, protect the consulate, and US citizens. In 1927, the US Marine Corps deployed in close proximity to the cities of Shanghai and Tianjin.

1930—1939

Due to the Great Depression, US foreign military activity was significantly reduced.

• China (1933)

The American troops carried out several operations to protect their citizens during the Japanese occupation of China.

• Cuba (1933)

During the uprising against President Gerardo Machado, the naval US forces planned to land on the coast, but later abandoned the idea.

• China (1934)

Amphibious landings in Fuzhou to protect the American consulate.

1940-1944

• The Defense of Greenland (1941)

American troops landed in Greenland to protect it from external threats during the ongoing World War II. Greenland was important to the United States as a site for naval bases and American ship anchorages, and for other purposes such as weapons testing.

• Dutch Guiana (1941)

In November 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt, in agreement with the Dutch government in exile, ordered the troops to occupy Dutch Guiana (Suriname).

• Occupation of Iceland (1941)

After the invasion of Iceland in 1940, Great Britain realized that it could not occupy the country, as this required significant forces needed in the war against Germany. In this regard, in June 1941, control over the territory of Iceland was transferred to the United States. On June 16, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed the official occupation of Iceland by US forces. On July 8, the first US Marines set foot on the Icelandic coast. In total, 40,000 American troops were stationed in Iceland, which exceeded the entire