7. Conflicts Involving America Since 1945
Published by Campbell M Gold in Historical · Sunday 18 Aug 2024
Tags: Conflicts, America, United, States, Global, Warfare, Economy, Military, Industrial, Complex
Tags: Conflicts, America, United, States, Global, Warfare, Economy, Military, Industrial, Complex
Conflicts Involving America Since 1945
My Rise and Fall of Empires Series - Article #7
The rise of the United States as a global power is a complex and multifaceted process spanned several centuries...
Conflicts Involving America Since 1945
Since 1945, the United States has been involved in numerous global conflicts - the US needs constant warfare as a part of its economy, which is linked to the Military Industrial Complex.
Significant military engagements and conflicts since 1945:
1. Cold War Conflicts (1945 - 1991)
- Korean War (1950 - 1953):
- A conflict between North Korea (with support from China and the Soviet Union) and South Korea (backed by the U.S. and United Nations).
- resulted in a stalemate and the division of Korea along the 38th parallel.
- Vietnam War (1955 - 1975):
- A prolonged conflict involving North Vietnam (supported by the USSR and China) and South Vietnam (backed by the U.S.).
- Ended with Saigon's fall and Vietnam's unification under communist control.
- Cuban Missile Crisis (1962):
- A 13-day confrontation with the Soviet Union over Soviet missiles deployed in Cuba (Bay of Pigs).
- Led to a heightened state of tension but ultimately resolved diplomatically.
- Laos and Cambodia Conflicts (1959 - 1975):
- U.S. involvement in military operations in Laos and Cambodia as part of the broader Vietnam War effort.
- Soviet-Afghan War (1979 - 1989):
- The U.S. provided support to Afghan mujahideen fighters against the Soviet invasion, marking a significant Cold War engagement.
2. Post-Cold War Conflicts (1991 - 2001)
- Gulf War (1990 - 1991):
- A coalition led by the U.S. to liberate Kuwait following Iraq's invasion.
- resulted in a decisive victory for coalition forces.
- Somalia Intervention (1992 - 1994):
- Humanitarian intervention aimed at alleviating famine and restoring order amidst civil war.
- The operation ended controversially, leading to the withdrawal of U.S. forces after violent clashes.
- Bosnian War (1992 - 1995):
- U.S. involvement included air strikes and support for NATO operations to stop ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
3. War on Terror (2001 - Present)
- Afghanistan War (2001 - Present):
- Initiated in response to the September 11 attacks to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban from power.
- The longest-running conflict in U.S. history, ending with the withdrawal of troops in 2021.
- Iraq War (2003 - 2011):
- The U.S. led an invasion to remove Saddam Hussein based on claims of weapons of mass destruction.
- Resulted in significant instability and ongoing conflict in the region post-withdrawal.
- Intervention in Libya (2011):
- Part of NATO-led military action to protect civilians during the Libyan Civil War.
- This resulted in the overthrow and execution of Muammar Gaddafi and led to ongoing instability.
- Syrian Civil War (2011 - Present):
- The U.S. has been involved in supporting opposition groups and conducting airstrikes against ISIS.
- Complex involvement due to multiple factions and foreign interests.
- Counter-terrorism Operations (Various Locations):
- Ongoing military operations against terrorist groups, including ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram in regions such as:
- Yemen
- Somalia
- West Africa
4. Recent Developments (2020s)
- Withdrawal from Afghanistan (2021):
- marked the end of a nearly 20-year military presence, leading to the rapid re-takeover by the Taliban.
- Increased Focus on China:
- Strategic competition with China has included military exercises and partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region.
Conclusion
Since 1945, the United States has been involved in many conflicts, reflecting its evolving global role.
From Cold War engagements to the ongoing War on Terror, these conflicts have shaped America's foreign policy and military strategy, influencing domestic and international landscapes.
Source:
There are no reviews yet.