List of the lengths of United States participation in wars Facts for Kids

The United States Armed Forces have been involved in many conflicts, invasions, and wars since they were created in 1775. This article looks at how long the U.S. military was involved in some of these major events. A "war" here means a direct armed fight between organized U.S. military groups and other organized groups.

America's Longest Wars
Other Important Conflicts
See also

America's Longest Wars

The United States has been involved in some very long conflicts. Here are the ones where U.S. combat forces spent the most time fighting:

War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

This was the longest war for the U.S. military. It lasted for almost 20 years, from October 2001 to August 2021. The U.S. went into Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001, attacks to fight against terrorist groups and their supporters.

Vietnam War (1955–1975)

The Vietnam War lasted for about 19 years and 5 months, from November 1955 to April 1975. The U.S. got involved to help South Vietnam against North Vietnam and its allies, who wanted to unite the country under communist rule.

Occupation of Haiti (1915–1934)

The U.S. military occupied Haiti for about 19 years, from July 1915 to August 1934. This was done to bring stability to the country during a time of political unrest.

Philippine–American War and Moro Rebellion (1899–1913)

This conflict lasted for about 14 years, from 1899 to 1913. It started after the Spanish–American War when the Philippines wanted independence, and the U.S. became involved in a fight against Filipino forces.

War in North-West Pakistan (2004–2017)

U.S. forces were involved in this conflict for about 13 years, from 2004 to 2017. This war was part of the larger fight against terrorism, focusing on groups operating in the border regions of Pakistan.

Northwest Indian War (1785–1795)

This early American conflict lasted for about 10 years, from 1785 to 1795. It involved the U.S. military fighting against Native American tribes in the Ohio Country region.

War on ISIS (2014–present)

This is an ongoing conflict that started in June 2014. The U.S. and its allies are fighting against the terrorist group known as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) in the Middle East.

Iraq War (2003–2011)

The Iraq War lasted for about 8 years and 9 months, from March 2003 to December 2011. The U.S. led an invasion of Iraq to remove its leader, Saddam Hussein, and to find weapons of mass destruction.

American Revolutionary War (1775–1783)

This was the war where the United States gained its independence from Great Britain. It lasted for about 8 years and 5 months, from April 1775 to September 1783.

Second Seminole War (1835–1842)

This conflict in Florida lasted for about 6 years and 7 months, from December 1835 to August 1842. It was a fight between the U.S. Army and the Seminole Native American tribe.

Other Important Conflicts

The U.S. has also been involved in many other significant wars and conflicts, some lasting for shorter periods but still very important in history.

First Barbary War (1801–1805): This war lasted for about 4 years and 1 month. It was fought against pirates off the coast of North Africa.
American Civil War (1861–1865): This major war within the United States lasted for about 4 years. It was fought between the Union (Northern states) and the Confederacy (Southern states) over issues like slavery and states' rights.
World War II (1941–1945): The U.S. was involved in this global conflict for about 3 years and 8 months. It was a massive war fought against Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Korean War (1950–1953): This war lasted for about 3 years and 1 month. The U.S. and its allies helped South Korea against North Korea and its allies.
War of 1812 (1812–1814): This war against Great Britain lasted for about 2 years and 6 months.
Red Cloud's War (1866–1868): This conflict with Native American tribes lasted for about 1 year and 9 months.
Mexican–American War (1846–1848): This war with Mexico lasted for about 1 year and 9 months. The U.S. gained a lot of territory from Mexico after this war.
World War I (1917–1918): The U.S. joined this global war for about 1 year and 7 months.
Russian Civil War (1918–1920): The U.S. had a small involvement in this conflict for about 1 year and 7 months.
Great Sioux War of 1876 (1876–1877): This conflict with Native American tribes lasted for about 1 year and 3 months.
Gulf War (1990–1991): This war to free Kuwait from Iraq lasted for about 7 months.
Whiskey Rebellion (1794): This was a short conflict within the U.S. that lasted for about 5 months.
Spanish–American War (1898): This war lasted for about 4 months.
Kosovo War (1999): This conflict lasted for about 3 months.
Invasion of Panama (1989–1990): This invasion lasted for about 1 month.
Invasion of Grenada (1983): This short invasion lasted for only a few days.
Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961): This event in Cuba lasted for only 1 day.

List of the lengths of United States participation in wars facts for kids

Contents