America's Wars: The 20th and 21st Centuries

More to Explore

People and Groups

Themes

Events

Related Topics

This Day in History

Jun 19

Vietnam War

Ky becomes premier of South Vietnam, 1965

Air Vice-Marshal Nguyen Cao Ky assumes the premiership of the ninth government to be installed within the last 20 months in the country. The Armed Forces…

Recommended Articles

  • America's Wars

    America's Wars

    Military conflicts throughout U.S. history have shaped the country's policies, influenced its culture, defined its borders and cost thousands of lives.

  • Veterans Day

    Veterans Day

    November 11 is Veterans Day, a U.S. federal holiday dedicated to honoring veterans who served honorably in war or peacetime.

  • American History

    American History

    Explore the history of the United States from the colonial period to modern-day America.

  • Veterans Day Facts

    Veterans Day Facts

    There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S. Find out more about the vets who have served in war and peacetime.

World War I

Dates: 1914 - 1918 Where: The Atlantic Ocean and Europe How It Ended: Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. American Battle Deaths: 53,402 (approx.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

World War II

Dates: 1939 - 1945 Where: Europe, North Africa, Asia, Australia, and Pacific islands including Hawaii, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans How It Ended: Japan was the last Axis power to surrender on August 14, 1945, after the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki American Battle Deaths: 291,557 (approx.)

Korean War

Dates: 1950 - 1953 Where: North and South Korea How It Ended: The war reached a stalemate in June 1951. An armistice was finally reached on July 27, 1953. American Battle Deaths: 33,741 (approx.)

Vietnam War

Dates: 1954 - 1975 Where: Southeast Asia How It Ended: The U.S. withdrew after a ceasefire in 1973. American Battle Deaths: 47,424 (approx.)

Persian Gulf War

Dates: August 1990 - April 1991 Where: Iraq and Kuwait How It Ended: After a four-day ground war, an American-led coalition declared victory. A cease-fire agreement was signed on April 9, 1991. American Battle Deaths: 147 (approx.)

Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan

Dates: Oct. 7, 2001 (War begins with U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom, in Afghanistan, after the terrorist attacks against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. Approximately 3,000 civilians and members of the military died as a result of the attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.) - Conflict continues... Where: An effort to combat terrorism world-wide begins in Afghanistan. American Deaths in Afghanistan: more than 670 as of April 30, 2009

Iraq War

Dates: March 19, 2003 - Conflict continues... Where: Iraq American Deaths: more than 4,250 as of April 30, 2009

Fact Check We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!

Advertisement

Shop HISTORY

See More