Tonto 1 #1 February 13, 2003 The war for independence. http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_americanrevolution.htm This conflict contributed to the formation of the Continental Congress (which directed the American war effort) and to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The first years of the war saw major defeats for American forces, who were outnumbered 3-1 by the British army, but the tide soon turned as nations such as France, Spain and the Netherlands offered troops and assistance, elevating the conflict to the status of an international war. Eventually, George Washington's army and a force under the French Count de Rochambeau trapped Lord Cornwallis, the leader of the British army, in Yorktown. After a siege, Cornwallis surrendered his army of more than 7,000 men on October 19, 1781. However, it wasn't until the Treaty of Paris in 1783 -- a full eight years after the initial outbreak of violence -- that Great Britain signed the formal peace treaty recognizing the former colonies as an independent nation. Tripolitan War http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_tripolitanwar.htm Since 1784, the United States had paid tribute to the Barbary States of Algiers, Tunis, Morocco and Tripoli in exchange for immunity from attack for its merchant vessels passing through the Mediterranean. However, when the pasha of Tripoli demanded a higher tribute in 1801, President Thomas Jefferson refused. War of 1812 http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_warof1812.htm The United States failed to achieve a decisive victory over the British in the War of 1812, the conflict is considered the "Second War of Independence," as it restored confidence and nationalism to the burgeoning country. After the declaration of war on 8 June, the United States army attempted to besiege Canada while the navy moved to prevent British commerce from reaching the US. The invasion of Canada met with defeat. Mexican wars http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_mexicanwar.htm As a result of the war with Mexico in the years 1846 though 1848, the United States gained territory that would eventually become the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The war was driven by the American notion of "Manifest Destiny"--a belief that the country's borders should stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Another contributing factor was the Texas War of Independence, which resulted in the annexation of Texas to the United States, the exacerbation of preexisting tensions and the continuation of border fights. Open hostilities between the two nations began in May 1845 when General Zachary Taylor's troops clashed with Mexican forces near the Rio Grande. Not long afterwards, the United States declared war--it would last until American troops entered Mexico City in 1847. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo put an end to the fighting and required that Mexico cede two fifths of its territory to the United States. Civil War http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_civilwar.htm America suffered its greatest losses in this conflict involving its own people. While the North and South were bound by a common goal during the American Revolution, the issue of slavery became increasingly divisive, culminating in fracturing relations between the two regions. Over the next five years, Americans would fight Americans in some of the most tragic battles in U.S. history. All told, over 600,000 individuals lost their lives by the time the Confederates surrendered in 1865. Although slavery was abolished and the Union was restored, the Civil War's legacy, and issues of racial inequality, continue to haunt the United States. Indian Wars http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_indianwars.htm Some of the most famous events include the Battle of Little Bighorn, where Lieutenant Custer and his soldiers faced their last stand against a combined army of Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. The Battle of Wounded Knee, where the US calvalry defeated the Sioux in 1890, is considered to be the last battle of the Indian Wars. A century later, many Americans question the morality of the wars that nearly wiped out all of the country's native inhabitants. Spanish American War (Part 1) http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_spanishamericanwar.htm As a result of what Secretary of State John Hay called "a splendid little war," the United States emerged from the conflict as a world power. Cuba became an American possession until 1903 and Guantanamo remains a U.S. Navy base. The U.S. also gained control of Puerto Rico and Guam, and both remain affiliated today. The Philippines were purchased from Spain for twenty million dollars. As a direct result of the war, the United States also annexed Hawaii, Wake Island and several of the Samoan Islands. Spain's colonial empire was no more, and the U.S. had become a major military power with a two-ocean navy. Spanish American War (Part 2) (The Philippine Insurrection) http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_spanishamericanwar.htm For the U.S., the acquisition of a large colonial empire did not come without additional costs. Filipinos, tired of their colonial rule by Spain and hoping for independence, resented U.S. control. An insurrection broke out in the Philippines, and on February 4, 1899, the U.S. undertook a campaign to suppress the revolt. Casualties in this guerilla war mounted to over four times that of the Spanish-American War and cost the lives of over 4,000 American troops, 20,000 Filipino soldiers, and 500,000 Filipino civilians. The Philippine Insurrection lasted until July 4, 1902, when President Theodore Roosevelt declared the Philippines pacified. Like Vietnam, American citizens were ambivalent about this undeclared war and no parades were held for the returning troops. The Philippines eventually achieved independence shortly after World War II. World War 1 http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_worldwari.htm The Great War in Europe raged for nearly three years before the United States chose to become involved. Repeated attacks on American merchant ships by German submarines forced President Woodrow Wilson in 1917 to abandon his policies of neutrality and to declare war on Germany. . By the end of the war, the United States proved it could mobilize a large army and act as a major player in international affairs. Unfortunately, President Wilson's plan (the "Fourteen Points") for the armistice was never realized, and its absence would contribute to the conditions necessary for another great European conflict twenty years later. World War 2 http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_worldwarii.htm When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States of America was forced to emerge from years of isolationism and enter the worst conflict in world history. The statistical results of World War II were stunning: all told, approximately 61 million people lost their lives, with the Soviet Union (over 25 million) and China (11 million) suffering the most fatalities, most of them civilians. As a result of the war, the United States emerged as the world's leading military and economic power, and geopolitical boundaries changed radically, with the Soviet Union controlling most of Eastern Europe. Korean War http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_koreanwar.htm Ultimately, the U.S. would send over five million soldiers to the Korean theatre before the conflict ended three years later, but the war also involved service members from a large number of other nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, India, France, The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxemburg, Colombia, Greece, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Turkey. The UN and South Korean forces suffered a final casualty toll of 200,000 people, including 37,000 U.S. servicemen, before the independence of South Korea was restored. (Look at your list of allies…) Vietnam War http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_vietnamwar.htm During the ten years of America's commitment to the Vietnam war, 55,000 servicemen would be killed or listed as missing; the presidency would change hands three times; and the American people would wage their own war at home against the United States government. The conflict's roots took shape in July 1954, when France was forced out of Vietnam after one hundred years of colonial rule. In the peace process, the country was partitioned into northern and southern sections, with a U.S.-supported government in the south and a communist republic in the north. On December 20, 1960, the northern Communist Party formed the National Liberation Front (NLF), with the ultimate goal of reunifying the country. In response, U.S. President John F. Kennedy began supplying military equipment and advisors in 1961. Despite superior U.S. firepower and technology, the North Vietnamese forces were successful in fighting a protracted, guerilla-style conflict. American fortunes changed for the worse with the Tet Offensive in 1968, in which major South Vietnam cities were attacked. So divisive was the conflict in Vietnam and America's involvement that relations among the government, the people and the military would be strained until they were reunified by the Gulf War 25 years later. As evidenced by numerous documentaries, books and films about the war, the hard lessons the U.S. learned in Vietnam are still very much in the public consciousness. The Invasion of Granada http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_grenada.htm In 1983 the United States invaded the island of Grenada and Overthrew the communist government in favor of a pro-Western one in a span of less than two months. During the fighting, the US suffered from lack of sufficient intelligence data, which made it difficult to find the medical students who needed to be rescued. The Grenadian Army and its Cuban allies also offered greater resistance than the Americans expected. Invasion of Panama http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_panama.htm On December 20, 1989, the United States broke both international law and its own government policies by invading Panama in order to bring its President Manuel Noriega to justice for drug trafficking. Following the shooting of a U.S. Marine, President George Bush ordered Operation Just Cause, an invasion consisting of over 25,000 soldiers. The mission was controversial due to the resulting loss of hundreds of Panamanian lives and the subsequent damage to Panama City and El Chorillo. Gulf war (Part 1) http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_gulfwar.htm U.S. involvement in the situation was immediate, as Sheikh Jaber Al Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait, met with then-Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney to request U.S. military assistance, and President George Bush condemned Iraq's actions. While U.S. military commanders and strategists formulated offensive plans, the United Nations passed a resolution calling for military action if Hussein did not withdraw his forces by January 15, 1991. Iraq ignored all demands, and in response, a coalition of UN forces began immediately to build in Saudi Arabia. On January 12, Congress granted President Bush the authority to wage war. Hostilities commenced on January 17, as the 36 members of the coalition forces, under the direction of American General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, initiated an air campaign to disable Iraq's communications, air defenses, and early warning radar installations. After five weeks of air and missile combat, ground troops began their campaign in Kuwait. On February 27, coalition forces entered Kuwait City, forcing Iraq to concede a cease-fire after only 100 hours. The Gulf reunited the American people and the military, helping to mend the wounds from the Vietnam War. Returning service members were welcomed back and faith in the military's effectiveness was restored. Still, the war was not without controversy -- friendly fire accounted for almost a third of the over 200 Americans killed, raising doubts about the advances in military technology. Somalia 1992 Blackhawk Down. Losers. Ran home before the final whistle. Kosovo For the first time in modern history, a completely airborne force was able to inflict massive damage while suffering no hostile fire casualties and still achieved peace on its terms. Gulf War (Part 2) Will doubtless win – but at what cost of international opinion?It's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #2 February 13, 2003 *Tosses Tonto flameproof underpants and quietly sits down to watch.......*-------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdhill 0 #3 February 13, 2003 QuoteSomalia 1992 Blackhawk Down. Losers. Ran home before the final whistle. You have obvoiusly not taken the time to study this action, so until you have, you should not show your ignorance in such a public forum. JoshAll that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. - Edmund Burke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skystorm 0 #4 February 13, 2003 *sits down beside Nac to watch* Gene Police: "YOU!! Out of the pool, NOW!!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scratch 0 #5 February 13, 2003 What's to flame Nac? If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck....... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheBile 0 #6 February 13, 2003 Dude - You forgot The Battle for Naboo and the Clone Wars. Sit's down next to Stormy. Gerb I stir feelings in others they themselves don't understand. KA'CHOW ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #7 February 13, 2003 Just watched the movie, and the news... Can you point me to a link with more info? Or should I point you to links from the Institute of security studies papers on the impact US abandoned weapons are still having on Africa?t It's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scratch 0 #8 February 13, 2003 Quote you should not show your ignorance in such a public forum Yup and the US won WW2 I read it all over this public forum Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #9 February 13, 2003 Quote Dude - You forgot The Battle for Naboo and the Clone Wars. Sit's down next to Stormy. You got that right!!! , I was in one of the moons of Endor when that happened.__________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluefingers 0 #10 February 13, 2003 popcorn anyone? Kerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
highfly 0 #11 February 13, 2003 Yes please. Sweet preferably. Oh and an extra large Sprite. Think we'll be sat here a while www.myspace.com/durtymac Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #12 February 13, 2003 Popcorn? Sure...toss me some kernels over here__________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdhill 0 #13 February 13, 2003 The Allies won WWII, it was a collaborative effort. The US was a decisive factor in every theater of operations, with the possible exception of Eastern Europe. Prior to the US entry into the war, the allies were genreally on the defensive. The US entry provided the material and manpower to begin offensive operations in earnist. JoshAll that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. - Edmund Burke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Scratch 0 #14 February 13, 2003 Ah!! so you do know. Now spread the word please Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #15 February 13, 2003 Quote popcorn anyone? I wouldn't dream of watching this without a box of Gummy Bears and a Coke. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Taz 0 #16 February 13, 2003 The US (and specifically, the CIA) has routinely screwed up a lot of things. The question to be asking now about Iraq is not whether there should be a pre-emptive war, but what the effect would be if, having pushed the issue this far, the US suddenly backed off and put Iraq on the back burner. Even more importantly, since the Bush administration seems bent on a war, the further question is: what happens afterwards? The reason it's important at this stage to have international cooperation is that the US can't (certainly by its record in Afghanistan won't) rebuild Iraq into a "beacon of hope" for the Middle East by itself. Only after it's all over or if Saddam goes into exile will we get around to deciding whether things could have been handled better. I just hope a minimum of people lose their lives before we get to that point.It's the Year of the Dragon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheBile 0 #17 February 13, 2003 Quote Popcorn? Sure...toss me some kernels over here DUDE ! You do not want to go there ! She dips them in boiling hot tar before she throws them, and she's got a pretty good arm too. They F**king well hurt and I should know ! Gerb I stir feelings in others they themselves don't understand. KA'CHOW ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #18 February 13, 2003 Quote Quote Popcorn? Sure...toss me some kernels over here DUDE ! You do not want to go there ! She dips them in boiling hot tar before she throws them, and she's got a pretty good arm too. They F**king well hurt and I should know ! AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! too late __________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildblue 4 #19 February 13, 2003 Quote Quote popcorn anyone? I wouldn't dream of watching this without a box of Gummy Bears and a Coke. You bring the snacks, I'll find a deceased equine and a large stick. it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 35 #20 February 13, 2003 Tonto- What's your point in posting this thread?She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skystorm 0 #22 February 13, 2003 Would you two please shut up? The rest of us are watching. Gene Police: "YOU!! Out of the pool, NOW!!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #23 February 13, 2003 Trivia fact: Tonto means FOOL in Spanish.__________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
meatmissile 0 #24 February 13, 2003 MeatMissile joins the ranks of spectators. -- ZZZzzzz.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #25 February 13, 2003 Hi There, I've done a lot of reading and a lot of research on your history. Far more than I suspect many of the US contributers have done. The links are all to Military.com - A US Military site, and I've posted the links so that people can check to see if I've edited out of context. If people read more about the history of wars, they might be better qualified to deciede on whether or not the next one is just. Blue Skies, tIt's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
