List of foreign military attacks on United States territory facts for kids
Throughout its history, the United States has faced various attacks. These attacks have happened both on its main land and in its territories far away. Some attacks were part of big wars, while others were smaller incidents. Learning about these events helps us understand how the country has defended itself over time.
Contents
Attacks on U.S. Soil
Many attacks have happened directly on land that is part of the United States. These events often involved other countries or groups during times of conflict.
Early Conflicts and Border Skirmishes
During the American Revolutionary War (1776–1780), Great Britain attacked the American colonies. This war was fought for America's independence. Later, in the War of 1812 (1812–1815), the United Kingdom and British Canada again attacked the young United States.
In 1846, the Thornton Affair and the Mexican–American War (1846–1848) saw attacks by Mexico. These events led to a war that changed the map of North America.
The American Civil War (1861–1865) was a conflict within the United States itself. The Confederate States of America fought against the Union. During this war, the Chesapeake Affair in 1863 involved British Canada.
World Wars and Other Incidents
Even before the United States officially joined World War I, there were attacks. The Black Tom explosion in 1916 was a secret attack by the German Empire. It caused a huge explosion in New Jersey. In 1918, the German Empire also attacked Orleans. This was the only place in the U.S. attacked by enemy forces during World War I.
Around the same time, there were border conflicts with Mexico. The Battle of Columbus in 1916 involved Pancho Villa's forces. The Battle of Ambos Nogales in 1918 saw Mexican volunteers attacking the border town of Nogales.
World War II brought more direct attacks. The most famous was the Attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. This surprise attack by the Empire of Japan brought the U.S. into the war. During the American Theater of World War II (1941–1945), Japan, Nazi Germany, and the Kingdom of Italy launched various attacks. For example, the Attack on Goleta, California in 1942 was a Japanese submarine attack on an oil field.
Attacks on U.S. Territories Overseas
The United States also has territories that are not states. These places have also faced attacks, especially during major wars.
During World War II, the Empire of Japan launched several attacks on U.S. territories in the Pacific. These included the Japanese invasion of the Philippines (1941–1945). Other important battles were the Battle of Guam in 1941 and the Battle of Wake in 1941. The Battle of Midway in 1942 was a major naval battle where the U.S. defended its interests in the Pacific.
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Ataques en territorio de Estados Unidos para niños
