Why Do Americans Always Assume They Can Win Any War?

In recent discussions, the notion that Americans consistently assume they can win any war they engage in has been brought to attention. Often, this belief is challenged by the relatively low success rate in the numerous conflicts they have participated in. This article aims to dissect the historical context and underlying factors that contribute to this perception.

Historical Context and Realities

The American belief in their invincibility in warfare has roots that are more complex than a simple misconception. It is crucial to examine the historical facts that refute the notion that America has always triumphed in every conflict they have entered.

According to Ian Stewart, “seriously, this is a propaganda concoction by some flagellant historian.” This statement is supported by the fact that many wars initiated by the United States were not the first shots fired. Let’s delve into the details:

Wars Initiated by the United States

Only a limited number of wars can be attributed to direct American initiation:

The War of the American Revolution
1775-1783 The War of 1812
1812-1815 (29 years after the Revolutionary War) The Mexican-American War
1846-1848 (34 years after the War of 1812) The American Civil War
1861-1865 (11 years after the Mexican-American War) The Spanish-American War/Filipino Insurrection
1898-1899 (33 years after the Civil War)

This timeline highlights that in the first 130 years of the country's existence, there were only five wars initiated by America. It is also significant to note that:

World War I - The U.S. did not start it, joining in 1917. World War II - The U.S. did not start it, entering in 1941. Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan - These were interventions where the U.S. took sides, but did not initiate the conflict.

Furthermore, as of 1940, the United States had the smallest national army of any major power in modern history. This is a stark contrast to other European powers, who were frequently involved in colonial and major wars throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Post-WWII Interventions

Starting from 1945, the United States gradually became more involved in global affairs, contributing to more conflicts:

The Korean War - 1950 (5 years after WW II) The Vietnam War - 1965 (12 years after the Korean War) The First Gulf War - 1991 (19 years after Vietnam War) The Invasion of Iraq - 2003 (12 years after the First Gulf War) The Invasion of Afghanistan - 2001 (10 years after the First Gulf War)

Many of these interventions did not require a major mobilization of American forces, as the U.S. military was by then so powerful. However, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars dragged on, primarily due to issues of leadership and strategy within the American government.

Consequences and Reflections

The belief in America's invincibility in warfare has significant implications. Firstly, it fosters a culture of overconfidence that can lead to misjudgments about the magnitude of conflicts. Secondly, this perception often leads to a lack of accountability and courage, as evidenced by the prolonged wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Some actions that are not typically considered wars, when done by the U.S., are still scrutinized for their implications. Domestic expeditions against tribal warriors, international incidents involving troops, and interventions to protect civilians are seen as part of its broader military strategy. However, these actions can be viewed with a critical lens, especially in the context of the U.S. history of military interventions.

The historical realities of American military engagement serve as a reminder that the U.S. has not always been successful in its war efforts. Rather, the perception of invincibility often stems from a selective memory of victories and glossing over failures. It is essential for policymakers and citizens alike to have a nuanced understanding of U.S. military history to inform better decision-making in the future.