By Phalapoem editor, 14/12/2024
The history of the United States is deeply intertwined with conflict, both in its formation and its evolution into a global superpower. Since its founding in 1776, America has been involved in numerous wars, driven by varying motivations such as independence, territorial expansion, colonialism, ideological competition, and global influence. These wars have taken an immense human toll, with hundreds of millions of lives lost both in the U.S. and abroad. Today, America’s involvement in global wars continues to shape the political and humanitarian landscape.
Below is an overview of America’s major historical wars and its role in more recent and ongoing wars around the world.
The Indian Wars (1776–1924): The Indian Wars, a series of conflicts between American settlers and Native American tribes during westward expansion, resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, primarily Native Americans:
• Native Americans
An estimated 4,700,000 Native Americans were killed from the arrival of Europeans until the 19th century. By the end of the Indian Wars in the late 19th century, fewer than 238,000 Indigenous people remained.
• White people
Census.gov estimates that more than 5,000 white men, women, and children were killed in individual affairs with Native Americans since 1775.
The Indian Wars were driven by a number of factors, including:
• Settler greed: Settlers wanted the land and natural resources of the Native Americans.
• Hostility: American hostility and suspicion toward Native Americans was increased by their collusion with the British during the American Revolution and the War of 1812.
• Racial hatred: Settlers viewed Native Americans as different, and painted them as pagan savages who needed to be killed in the name of civilization and Christianity.
The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783)
The Revolutionary War, fought against Great Britain, was driven by the colonies’ desire for independence and opposition to British taxation without representation. An estimated 25,000 American soldiers lost their lives, laying the foundation for the United States. Civilian casualties: 25,000–50,000 (from direct violence, disease, and famine).
The War of 1812 (1812–1815)
Often called America’s “Second War of Independence,” this conflict resulted in 15,000 American deaths and reinforced the nation’s sovereignty despite ending in a stalemate. Civilian casualties: 2,000–3,000 (mostly from raids and blockades).
The Mexican-American War (1846–1848)
Stemming from territorial disputes after Texas declared independence from Mexico, this war led to the U.S. annexing vast swaths of land. Around 13,000 American soldiers died, while tens of thousands of Mexican soldiers and civilians also lost their lives. Civilian casualties: 25,000–50,000, primarily Mexican civilians affected by fighting, disease, and famine.
The American Civil War (1861–1865)
The bloodiest conflict in U.S. history, the Civil War was fought between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) over issues of slavery, states’ rights, and secession. It resulted in an estimated 620,000 to 750,000 deaths, including soldiers from both sides and countless civilians.
The Spanish-American War (1898)
This short war marked America’s emergence as a global power. Approximately 2,500 Americans died, mostly from disease rather than combat, while the total death toll in Cuba and the Philippines was far higher, including civilian casualties.
World War I (1917–1918): Over
Though initially neutral, the U.S. entered World War I in 1917. America’s intervention was pivotal in tipping the scales toward an Allied victory. Over 116,000 American soldiers lost their lives, and the global death toll from the war exceeded 16 million, including military and civilian casualties.
World War II (1941–1945):
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. entered World War II, fighting on multiple fronts. Over 405,000 American soldiers were killed. Globally, World War II was the deadliest conflict in human history, with total deaths estimated at 70–85 million, including millions of civilians and victims of genocide.
The Korean War (1950–1953)
As the Cold War intensified, the U.S. intervened in Korea to prevent the spread of communism. The war resulted in over 36,000 American deaths and an estimated 2–3 million deaths overall, including a significant number of Korean civilians.
The Vietnam War (1955–1975)
The Vietnam War was one of America’s most controversial conflicts. Over 58,000 American soldiers died, and an estimated 3 million Vietnamese people—including civilians—were killed during the protracted and devastating war.
The Gulf War (1990–1991)
Triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, the Gulf War resulted in a relatively low number of American casualties—294 deaths. However, tens of thousands of Iraqi soldiers and civilians lost their lives during the conflict.
The War on Terror (2001–Present)
After the September 11 attacks, the U.S. launched the War on Terror, resulting in protracted conflicts:
• Afghanistan (2001–2021): Over 2,400 American soldiers died, alongside an estimated 243,000 total deaths, including civilians.
• Iraq (2003–2011): The invasion, based on false claims of weapons of mass destruction, led to the deaths of 4,500 American soldiers and over 300,000 Iraqis, many of them civilians.
• Syria: While not a full-scale war, the U.S. has provided significant military and financial support to various groups in the Syrian Civil War, which has killed over 500,000 people and displaced millions.
Libya war (2011–Present)
In 2011, the U.S. and NATO intervened in Libya to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi. The intervention destabilized the country, leading to ongoing civil war and a humanitarian crisis. Tens of thousands have died, and Libya remains fractured by conflict. Estimates of deaths in the 2011 are up to 30,000 casualties.
Yemen war (2014–Present)
The U.S. has supported Saudi Arabia’s intervention in Yemen, providing weapons and intelligence in a war that has killed over 377,000 people, including civilians, and caused one of the worst humanitarian crises of the century, with famine and disease ravaging the population.
Ukraine war (2022–Present)
While not directly involved in combat, the U.S. has played a significant role in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, providing billions in military aid. The war has caused over 500,000 casualties and displaced millions, with no end in sight.
Sudan and the Darfur war (2003–Present)
The U.S. has engaged diplomatically and provided humanitarian aid in response to Sudan’s ongoing conflicts, particularly in Darfur, where genocidal violence has claimed over 300,000 lives and displaced millions.
Israeli genocide in Gaza
The ongoing Israeli occupation war on Gaza, particularly in 2023–2024, has been described by Amnesty International as genocidal in nature. The U.S. has been a steadfast ally of Israel, providing military aid and diplomatic support. Since the escalation of violence, over 44,000 Palestinians, the majority civilians, have been killed, including women and children. Gaza’s humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with millions facing ethnic cleansing, starvation, and lack of medical care. U.S. backing had enabled Israel’s war crimes on occupied people living in a contraction camp and under apartheid regime.
The Human Cost of America’s Wars
The cumulative toll of America’s wars is staggering. Over 1.3 million American military personnel have died in conflict. Globally, the death toll from U.S.-involved wars—whether directly or through proxies exceeds tens of millions, with civilians often bearing the brunt. From the streets of Gaza to the ruins of Aleppo, the effects of racist America’s military policies and alliances are visible in ongoing humanitarian crises.
Reflection and Responsibility
Unjustified and racist America’s wars have shaped its identity, expanded its influence, and defined its role as a global power. However, they have also left a legacy of genocide, destruction, starvation, disease, ethnic cleansing, and mass immigration. As the U.S. continues to illegally engage in global conflicts, it faces a critical moral question: how to balance its power with a commitment to peace and justice in a world still ravaged by war.