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1. Hundred Years’ War
The “Hundred Years’ War” was a series of conflicts that occurred from 1337-1453 between England and France, which dramatically influenced Europe’s geopolitical landscape. Despite the name, the war was a series of smaller conflicts interspersed with periods of peace, and forever changed the military with the introduction of evolving weapons like the longbow.
2. The Punic Wars
Grappling over dominance in the Mediterranean, Rome and Carthage fought three separate conflicts known collectively as the “Punic Wars” from 264-146 BC. The wars concluded with the complete destruction of Carthage, leading Rome to become a leading power.
3. American War of Independence
The “American War of Independence” or Revolutionary War (1775-1783), was fought between thirteen American colonies and Britain. The war concluded with the independence of the colonies and the establishment of the United States of America.
4. Napoleonic Wars
The “Napoleonic Wars” were a series of major conflicts from 1803-1815, led by Napoleon Bonaparte against various European powers. These wars reshaped the political structure of Europe and laid groundwork for modern warfare tactics.
5. The American Civil War
The “American Civil War” (1861-1865) was a conflict that occurred between the Northern and Southern regions of the United States largely due to disagreements on slavery and states’ rights. This brutal conflict resulted in a death toll of over 600,000 and cemented the abolition of slavery.
6. World War I
“World War I,” from 1914 to 1918, was a global conflict primarily involving European powers, centered on issues including militarism, alliances, imperialism, and nationalism. This war marked the beginning of modern warfare technology, such as tanks and chemical weapons.
7. World War II
“World War II,” from 1939 to 1945, was the most widespread war in history, involving more than 30 nations sparked by the aggressive policies of Nazi Germany. World War II introduced nuclear technology as a military weapon and set the stage for the Cold War.
8. The Vietnam War
The “Vietnam War” was a prolonged conflict (1955-1975) that engaged the communist government of North Vietnam and its southern allies, the Viet Cong, against South Vietnam and its primary ally, the United States. Widely seen as part of the broader Cold War, this conflict led to a high civilian death toll and substantial changes in the American political landscape.
9. The Gulf War
The “Gulf War” (1990-1991) was a conflict in the Middle East initiated by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. The conflict drew international intervention, particularly from the United States and allied powers, and marked a significant use of precision-guided munitions.