List of American Wars

A list of wars or military conflicts involving the United States, beginning with the American Revolution of 1774. Significant wars are included on the list, along with the major campaigns conducted within those wars. Individual military actions conducted outside of a war are also featured on the list, including, for example, skirmishes and military actions related to the Cold War or the conflicts between Native Americans and the United States military.

When possible, the combatants engaging the United States are also listed, though this becomes more challenging when dealing with the "War on Terror"-related conflicts of the early 21st Century and its collection of insurgents and enemy combatants.

Conflicts involving the US include battles fought directly on US soil, extended overseas engagements against an entrenched enemy as well as more modern "quick" intercessions into global affairs. The old concept of the US "declaring war" on another nation and conducting an extended campaign has grown a bit outdated over time, with presidents conducting foreign policy and consulting the legislative branch only when conflicts escalated.