19th Century America’s Forgotten Wars

By the second half of the 19th century, the United States had established itself as a regional power through victories and territorial expansion, but it faced internal divisions leading to a bloody civil war. Following this tumult, the nation’s military engagements extended abroad, involving accidental conflicts and ongoing insurgencies in distant lands. These lesser-known wars played a significant role in shaping America's foreign policy and preparing the country for its 20th-century global responsibilities.