American Wars & Combat

Today, we honor the men and women who have fought under America's flag. Veterans Day marks a historic armistice and salutes all U.S. veterans, many of whom served during our country's wars and conflicts. Herewith, a primer.

World War I

The assassination of a prominent Austrian sparked the Great War, though historians still debate the conflict's underlying reasons. In 1914, Austria-Hungary invaded Serbia, and other nations quickly chose sides. The United States entered in 1917.

World War II

After World War I, Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany. He rearmed the country and in 1939 invaded this neighboring country. In response, Britain and France declared war. The United States entered in 1941, sparked by an attack on Hawaii.

Korean War

Following World War II, the Korean peninsula was divided: The United States occupied the south; this country occupied the north. Tensions grew when the north became communist and, in 1950, invaded South Korea. American troops responded.

Vietnam War

The communist leader of Vietnam sought to claim control of South Vietnam, a move the United States fought to prevent. The war was met with much protest in the States.

Persian Gulf War

Lead by a U.S. nemesis, Iraq invaded neighbor Kuwait in August 1990. In response, the United States built a coalition of allies and ordered Iraq to withdraw. Iraq did not, and the U.S.-led coalition forcefully restored Kuwaiti sovereignty.

Invasion of Afghanistan

Often referred to by its military name, the invasion of Afghanistan was initiated in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Iraq War

The stated impetus for invading Iraq was the country's alleged possession of these. In seven years, American-led forces deposed leader Saddam Hussein and oversaw democratic elections.