Introduction to U.S. Army History

Explore the history of the U.S. Army from the American Revolution to Desert Storm, using army flag streamers, key leaders, and lessons learned to understand the army’s role in democracy.

Trace the U.S. Army's evolution from colonial militias to a standing force, through Washington's leadership, Valley Forge training, and the War of 1812 battles like New Orleans and Fort McHenry.

Trace the army’s growth after 1812, its frontier mission, the Mexican War expansion, and the Civil War’s industrial warfare, leadership lessons, and medical advances highlighted by Clara Barton.

Trace how the post-Civil War army professionalized, fought the Indian wars as the frontier closed, and expanded into an expeditionary force during the Spanish-American War and beyond.

The United States joins World War I in 1917, builds the American Expeditionary Force via the draft, and drives the Meuse-Argonne offensive while modernizing the army.

World War II transformed the U.S. Army into the largest fighting force, fielded airborne divisions and led Normandy invasion on D-Day, while shaping reforms, integration, and creation of the DoD.

Explore how the U.S. Army adapted during the cold war through Korea and Vietnam conflicts, pioneering joint operations, air mobility, and counterinsurgency alongside the total force policy.

Explore how the army modernized equipment, training, and doctrine to win Desert Storm and adapt to peacekeeping in Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and the global war on terror.

Discover why history matters to the army, guiding decision making and building military expertise at individual and collective levels, while fostering patriotism, morale, and unit cohesion.