Historic American Wars through the Ages

In this research paper, the various contends that America has light uponn part in are discussed and dissected to identify the root causes for the fights, the actual incidents which transpired and the final consequences in the later onmath of the said contends. Evolution of the Militia System in the compound Times The reserves is recognized as the local anaesthetic commensurate-bodied stick which the British created in lay out to protect its vested interests in the colonized regions when its throw armed forces machine was in sufficient to contain the military responsibilities (Telzrow, 2006).The responsibility of the reserves in the case of the get together States was to basi gripey supress the native population and safeguard the British interests in the geographical region. The reserves was basically equipped and trained on the regular army lines and were to act as the front runners in whatever altercation. Evolution The move manpowert of the English into the region p reviously dominated by the Indians was seen as an act a constitutest the locals as they were maltreated and they began to fabricate increasingly hostile.Aside from the local threat, the British were paranoid due to the presence of the Spanish, french and Dutch who were laid all around the attend in States. The requirement for the militia units were that the person should be able-bodied and lie within the age of 15-60 (Telzrow, 2006). The leadership was often bestowed to sloshed families and people who were politically strong. These armies comprised of locals of the surrounding areas and rarely went into bouts in distant places as there primary objective was providing security to their get locality.The militia was as well as restricted due to labor demands since virtually were common villagers who had some military training. So when the harvesting season was upon them, the militia was understaffed. Eventually the volunteer militia was created which consisted of militia membe rs who voluntarily make the militia and were responsible in procuring their own equipment and weapons. This militia had a more military and social background and then the regular militia. ImportanceThe population of the army in the fall in States was not sufficient enough to go out internal security as well as address the problems with the expanding Dutch, Spanish and French empires (Cooper, 1997). The local militia provided the British with a constant supply of soldiers and they would handle the internal conflicts and handle security issues. The militia provided villages and towns a means of defending themselves against neighboring areas and it was the militia which provided the Civil war with able-bodied men to defend their rights.British View of the Militia The British viewed the militia as a reserve unit for their disposal. Even though the militia was trained under the army, they were rarely manoeuvren for any junkets far from their localities. Since around of the militia members were farmers and villagers they werent taken far from their responsibilities. It was this short-sight which in conclusion cost the British, as the militia was the of import force behind the Battle for Independence in which the British lost against the united Americans.The militia was lead by a trained contingent of professionally trained soldiers and the concept of a doubled army was born which existed in the state of war of Independence. The War of 1812 The War of 1812 was fought mingled with the unify States of America and Great Britain. The war lasted from 1812 to 1815. Causes The causes for the war could be traced to the get together States frustration towards the British navy and its actions conducted in the sea.During this era, the British were searching for men who they could use as seamen and for this purpose they would stop and search for deserted sailors on ships headed towards the United States and departing from it. The British did not hesitate in hassli ng Americans in the handle (Galafilm). The British were in like manner pressing for the United States to quit trading with France, since France was at war with Britain. This was during the Napoleonic era. These strict regulations and haughty attitude eventually cross the United States to such(prenominal) an extent that they took notice of these acts in the United States Congress.The United States felt that their rights on the seas had been violated. The United States felt that if it tried some scotch approaches then under the pressure the British would fold but their attempts at constraining the economic activities crossways the sea routes proved ineffective and they eventually tell war against Great Britain on June 18, 1812. Conduct of the War Responding to the call for war, the United States decided to win everywhere the Canadian region occupy by the British. The United States launched a three pronged attack in 1812 which failed.During the year merely the Americans were a ble to win a series of single-ship engagements and were able to harry British shipping. In response to these actions the British tightened the coastlines and created blockades. The outcome of this was that the American trade suffered, and their finances were weakened, and the entire coastline was exposed to attacks from the British. In 1813 the Americans attempted to take over Canada again. soon enough similar to past expeditions, this attempt failed at once. 1814 however proved to be the decisive year, as the British had won over the French.They began concentrating their attention towards the United States front and began harrying troops along to the States in order to suppress the American revolt. They concentrated on attacking on 3 major fronts New York, New Orleans and Chesapeake (Berton, 1988). The British were able to gain victory in all 3 places and the Americans were barely able to bear the forces. Consequence In 1815 the Battle of New Orleans took place in which the Briti shs superior forces were unable to overpower the lesser American force.Using strategic miscalculations on the part of the British, the Americans were able to cudgel them in the past battle. The end of the war was marked by the Treaty of the Ghent, in which none of the problems were resolved. Winners or Losers The War of 1812 did not provide any conclusive winners or losers as both sides suffered many losses economically and with respect to lives. The purpose from 1812-1815 marked an economical decline for America and it did not help the United States as such. The Mexican War of 1846The Mexican War was fought mingled with the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848. Causes subsequently(prenominal) the annexation of Texas, Mexico appeared claiming Texas as part of its own geographic boundaries (Son of the South, 2003). This came as a surprise to the Americans as Mexico was al shooty a recognized province with its own geographic borders clearly identified by the United States of America, England, France and otherwise governments. The Mexicans were also causing trouble since the Republican government had succeeded in their soil and they were a constant thorn in the side of the United States.The area of Mexico would replenish its treasury and gather funding by dirty money United States vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. Upon the United States complain, the governments chance variableulated treaties yet they were never acted upon and the plundering continued to transpire unabated. The War In 1845, President Polk ordered worldwide Zachary Taylor to occupy a position near the Rio Grande, as a precautional measure since both sides were becoming increasingly hostile towards each other.During the expedition moving closer to Rio Grande, General Zachary began the construction of Fort Brown, which was later targeted by the Mexicans as a point to be recognized and neutralized. The first battle was at Palo Alto, after the Mexicans began gathering around the Fort B rown and it appeared as if it would fall. In this battle the United States won against the gathered Mexican forces. In the month of whitethorn 1846, both sides openly declared war and urged their states to take the neighbor as a recognized threat.What followed later were a take of expeditions across Texas into the state of Mexico, with the generals defeating the local forces and extending the United States controlled territory. Matamoras, Monterrey, Veracruz, Cerro Gordo, etc. were majorly all winning campaigns conducted by the U. S. generals. During this war California also gained independence as the locals declared the said independence after the Mexican forces were repelled from the state. The northward expedition by General Scott of the United States forces was undeterred and in September 13, the city of Mexico had go to the U.S. government and the Mexicans were ultimately defeated. A reason which could be attributed to the constant defeat by the Mexicans against the American s could be that the Mexicans at the time were locked in internal conflicts as well, which resulted in their inability to unite against the foreign threat (Soto, 2006). Consequences of the Mexican War After the Mexicans were defeated in battle, in February 1848 the Mexican Congress concord to establish a pact of heartsease with the United States generals at Guadalupe Hidalgo. some(prenominal) sides ratified to it on July 4 of the resembling year.The stipulation of the treaty was that Mexico would be evacuated of American troops presence in 3 months and payments worth(predicate) $3,000,000 in hand and $12,000,000 by the United States to Mexico over a finish of 4 installments would be paid for the development of New Mexico and California which had perplex U. S. territories. A major consequence of the war was the distinguishing of the boundary dividing Mexico and the United States. When the treaty was ratified in 1854, the treaty of 1848 was revised and the boundaries were fixed and the United States hold to pay $7,000,000 to $10,000,000 as a consideration to Mexico.The conditions set under the peace treaty were all complied with and peaceful relations have existed between the dickens nations since then. The Spanish American War The Spanish American War was a brief yet conclusive battle which lasted from April 1898 to July 1898, during which time the Spanish conglomerate was destroyed and offering the United States with several new possessions in the Caribbean and the peaceable ( incision Of The Navy Naval Historical reduce, 1998). Causes What basically marked the beginning of the war between the Spanish navy and the United States navy was the attack on the battleship Maine.This was an unprecedented attack on U. S. property and it incited the United States to go to war. Even though it has yet to be proven that the attack on the battleship was Spanish inspired (Buscheni, 2000), the U. S. newspapers used their important position to create a grim pictur e regarding the Spanish. Appeals placed in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines all made it appear as the regions were under Spanish oppressive curb and helped effectuate the war and providing tender to the flames.The newspapers in the United States were seeing a extend as they were the major source of information for the populace. Using their position, newspapers began writing pieces by which there sales would be maximized disregarding the truth and how events had really transpired (Buscheni, 2000). Incidents After the sinking of the battleship Maine in 15 February 1898, the Americans launched an attack in May of the comparable year in Manila. The battle of Manila Bay was between the Spanish buy the farm positioned there against the United States Navy.The battle was one sided as the Spanish fleet comprised of large wooden ships whereas the U. S. Navy consisted of smaller marque vessels. After the firing from the U. S. Navy, led by Admiral George Dewey, the Spanish fleet sit uated in Manila was completely destroyed. This was one of the most self-made campaigns undertaken by the United States as the only casualty during this campaign resulted from insolation and not actual combat (Independence Hall Association). Another expedition was launched in Cuba under the command of General William Shafter, who led a force which was vastly outnumbered 7 to 1.The true glory of the Cuban expedition is accredited to a group of fighters referred to as the Rough Riders, who comprised of cowboys, adventurous college students and ex-convicts who had volunteered for the cause. The Rough Riders, Shafters forces and 2 African American regiments all collaborated in charging up San Juan Hill and bottling the Spanish in the Santiago Harbor. The Spanish lost this war when the Spanish fleet was destroyed by the American forces. ConsequencesThe United States received the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico after the Treaty of Paris was signed which basically awarded the victors. Cuba attained independence after this war and Spain was given $20 Million to recover its losses from these battles. Yet however, the key consequence of the Spanish American War was the proof of the fortissimo of journalism in the United States. The effectiveness of the newspapers to influence the populace into thought process about right and wrong and coming up with conclusions based on what they wished to happen was evident in this war.Another consequence of this war could be the identification of the expanding American empire, as the desire to free Cuba from oppressive Spanish rule was replaced by the occupation of Puerto Rico and the Philippines by the United States. The U. S. sentiment support the expansions and it is evident to this day of the urge of United States to occupy other countries to provide peace and freedom. Jomini and Clausewitz Fundamental Principles of War Swiss wrier Antoine- Henri Jomini and Prussian Carl von Clausewitz were military theorists who became pop ular during the era of the French Revolution and Napolean.Both have been highly influential in framing military thinking. The theories presented by both Jomini and Clausewitz are seen as either exact opposites of each other or as uniform in most respects. The reason behind such a impertinent view is due to the similar background shared by the deuce theorists. Both had a common historic interest in the campaigns led by Frederick the Great, both shared long personal experience in the Napoleonic wars (even though both were on different sides), and both read each others books.After taking into bill the mentioned reasons it comes as no surprise as both theorists saw war in the same light, just from different angles (Bassford, 1993). Fundamental Differences between the twain theorists In its most basic form, both theorists were on opposing sides of each other during the French Napoleonic era. Jomini acted as an interpreter and general for the French forces, while Clausewitz had fought legion(predicate) times against the French being in the Prussian army. Both held a differing perspective regarding the concepts related to the news report and role of the military.Clausewitz book, On War, clearly indicated that history was a dynamic process and it should not be looked upon with a electrostatic world view as values, standards and situations differ with respect to the context of the times. His theories contribute to light a concept which states that war can vary its form depending on the circumstances in which it is being fought, hence the nature of the insurance policy and the society within it is waged is crucial to take into account and should not be overlooked as a constant. On the other hand, Jominis views regarding war were simplistic in nature and were static.He recognized war as a battle of superior minds, in the form of military generals and heroes, and reflected that war was beyond normal peoples comprehension. He referred to war as a drama with differ ences in wars arising due to differing technologies, political motivations and people involved. His micturate was then more appealing to military educators as its purpose was to teach serviceable lessons to officers of a superior grade. Even though the philosophies of both theorists differed, both discussed the same materials in their works which were practically applicable to scenarios which may arise during wars.Similarities and sacramental manduction of Opinions Initially Jomini appeared to be a role model for Clausewitz, as in Clausewitz first book Principles of War, we can see the references and acknowledgements Clausewitz aimed towards Jomini (Handel). Both also shared a lot of similar concepts and terminologies which reflected on their acceptance of the others opinion. The fundamental Jomini theory related to warfare which lies in accordance with the theory proposed by Clausewitz was the concept of the centre of gravity.Both theorists shared the opinion that all armies ha ve a central point where if they were attacked then the outcome would turn in elevate of the attacker. Yet in due time Clausewitz began to think otherwise. His argument was that Jomini did not take into account the external variables which could not be calculated such as the morals of the soldiers, the level of motivation, and other psychological factors. These arguments were however inequitable as Jomini identified morale of the soldiers and other such concepts in his work the Summary of the Art of War.Yet this was published after Clausewitz death and were after Jomini had read On War. Relevance to Todays humanity In truth the theories discussed by Jomini are more popularly enforced in todays world rather than the works of Clausewitz which is in one way a disadvantage as war has become overly simplistic in nature not taking into account values and other humanistic factors. Becoming purely mathematical and fine in nature has cost us humanitys values. In todays volatile environme nt we find coexistence between the two approaches.We can find instances where the Clausewitz approach is applied where wars are fought along the suit of being righteous and to further humanistic elements (such as the Afghan war and Iraq invasion), whereas other times we find the human element entirely absent (the Turks and Kurd war). Both the theories are applicable as taking into account the Clausewitz whimsey that wars should be taken in context to the situation and not as a point in time, the theories adapted by leading strategists fall into a category which is a mixture of both the theorists views.References Bassford, C. (1993). Jomini And Clausewitz Their Interaction. 23rd contact of the Consortium on Revolutionary Europe . Georgia State University . Berton, P. (1988). Flames across the Border . Buscheni, J. (2000). Remember the Maine. Retrieved March 22, 2009, from The Spanish American War http//www. smplanet. com/imperialism/remember. hypertext mark-up language Cooper, J . (1997). The Rise of the National Guard The Evolution of the American Militia, 1865-1920. Nebraska Press. Department Of The Navy Naval Historical Center. (1998, October 16).EVENTS Spanish-American War. Retrieved March 22, 2009, from Naval Historical Center http//www. history. navy. mil/photos/events/spanam/eve-pge. htm Galafilm. (n. d. ). The War of 1812 Introduction. Retrieved March 22, 2009, from Galafilm. com http//www. galafilm. com/1812/e/intro/index. hypertext markup language Handel, M. I. know of War. Routledge. Independence Hall Association. (n. d. ). The Spanish American War and its Consequences. Retrieved March 22, 2009, from U. S. annals http//www. ushistory. org/us/44d. asp Son of the South. (2003). The Mexican War.Retrieved March 22, 2009, from SonoftheSouth. com http//www. sonofthesouth. net/mexican-war/war. htm Soto, M. (2006, March). The effect of War A Legacy of the US-Mexican War. Retrieved March 22, 2009, from The U. S. -Mexican War http//www. pbs. org/kera/ usmexicanwar/aftermath/legacy. html Telzrow, M. E. (2006, May 1). Citizen Soldiers the militia the story of Americas citizen soldiers shows that the militia and the second amendment are not obsolete. The populace at large will always fulfill prerequisite militia functions. The New American .