How Many Countries has the US Invaded

While the Russian invasion of Ukraine dominated headlines in early 2022 and the countries Germany invaded were a vital part of World War II, the United States has itself been an aggressor on many occasions. Instances of the United States invading non-U.S. territory range throughout the country’s history, from the 1805 Battle of Derna in what is now Libya to the 2001-2021 takeover and occupation of Afghanistan.

No single list of countries the U.S. has invaded can be considered truly comprehensive for the simple reason that there exist many differing definitions of precisely which military actions can be classified as an invasion. For example, if one counts only the times the U.S. has declared war on another country and fought on foreign land, there would be 11 instances of invasion spread across five wars.

Countries the U.S. has invaded after a declaration of war:

Country	Year	War	Notes
Great Britain	1812	War of 1812	Maritime engagements, no war on British home soil
Mexico	1846	Mexican-American War
Spain	1898	Spanish-American War	Cuba and Spain’s Pacific territories, not Spanish mainland
Germany	1917	World War I
Austria-Hungary	1917	World War I
Germany	1941	World War II
Italy	1941	World War II
Japan	1941	World War II
Bulgaria	1942	World War II
Hungary	1942	World War II
Romania	1942	World War II

On the other hand, if one’s definition of an invasion were to include any significant hostile incursion into another country’s territory, even if war were not officially declared, the list could include several more entries. For example, a list compiled by Dr. Gideon Polya of La Trobe University in 2013 included the following:

Countries the U.S. has invaded since 1776:

Afghanistan	Albania	Algeria	Angola	Argentina
Austria	Bolivia	Bosnia	Burma	Cambodia
Chile	China	Colombia	Cuba	Dominican Republic
Egypt	El Salvador	France	Germany	Greece
Grenada	Guam	Guatemala	Haiti	Hawaii
Honduras	Hungary	India	Indonesia	Iran
Iraq	Italy	Japan	Korea	Kuwait
Laos	Lebanon	Liberia	Libya	Macedonia
Mali	Mexico	Micronesia	Morocco	Nicaragua
Niger	Oman	Pakistan	Panama	Papua New Guinea
Philippines	Puerto Rico	Russia	Samoa	Saudi Arabia
Somalia	Sudan	Syria	Tunisia	Turkey
Uganda	Uruguay	Vanuatu	Vietnam	Virgin Islands
Yemen	Yugoslavia	Zaire (now Congo)

The ultimate list of countries invaded by the United States

Finally, if one’s definition of an invasion is expanded to include any instance in which U.S. forces interacted with a foreign country or territory—including areas in the Western Hemisphere that were foreign territories at the time but are now U.S. states—one could cite hundreds of incidents since the founding of the country. In fact, according to historians Christopher Kelly and Stuart Laycock, the United States has been “militarily involved” with every country on the globe but three: Andorra, Bhutan, and Liechtenstein.

A more complete tally of the United States’ international “use of force” incidents can be seen in the table below, compiled from multiple previously published lists, including those created by the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Global Policy Forum. Note that even this list should not be considered comprehensive. For example, many covert operations lack a known official record, and so will not appear.

Note that this list, detailed and inclusive as it is, can also be misleading. The CRS counts any event of any size, even those that were just a small posse entering another country to pursue a criminal. The CRS also expressly states that the legality of the events on the list has not been taken into consideration—for instance, if the U.S. sends troops to protect its embassy during a civil war or deploys a deterrent force into a country whose neighbor is amassing troops on its border, the act would likely be considered welcome by some participants and an invasion by others.

As such, the source lists (and in turn, the list below) include many events which may or may not fit one’s definition of an invasion. For instance, peacekeeping missions in which the U.S. was (arguably) invited into non-U.S. territory, humanitarian missions such as disaster relief efforts, or WWII battles in which the U.S. landed on the shores of a Pacific island such as Vanuatu—technically an invasion—in order to repel Japanese forces already occupying it. In light of this extreme level of inclusiveness, additional details of each event are included to enable each reader to filter the invasions from the non-invasions according to their own unique criteria.

How Many Countries has the US Invaded 2023

Note: According to the Congressional Research Service, the legality of most instances listed has not been addressed under domestic or international law. As such, it is highly likely that many listed incidents (particularly those classified as peacekeeping or humanitarian missions) were considered a welcome presence rather than an invasion. Note also that the scale of listed events ranges from quick incidents involving only a few individuals to years-long wars involving millions of soldiers. Finally, according to the CRS, the list does not include: covert operations (though some were included by other sources); domestic disaster relief; routine alliance stationing and training exercises; occurrences in which U.S. forces have been stationed abroad since World War II in occupation forces or for participation in mutual security organizations, base agreements, or routine military assistance or training operations; the Civil and Revolutionary Wars; or the continual use of U.S. military units in the exploration, settlement, and pacification of the western part of the United States.

Years	Country Involved	Event	Notes
2022	Germany	peacekeeping	Buildup of NATO forces in respose to Russia’s build-up of forces on Ukraine border
2022	Poland	peacekeeping	Buildup of NATO forces in respose to Russia’s build-up of forces on Ukraine border
2022	Romania	peacekeeping	Buildup of NATO forces in respose to Russia’s build-up of forces on Ukraine border
2022	Tonga	humanitarian	Disaster relief after undersea volcano
2021	Haiti	humanitarian	Disaster relief after earthquake and tropical storm
2020	Germany	peacekeeping	Assisted ongoing NATO mission to secure Europe against Russian imperialism
2020	Guatemala	humanitarian	Disaster relief after hurricane
2020	Honduras	humanitarian	Disaster relief after hurricane
2020	Italy	humanitarian	COVID-19 relief
2020	Panama	humanitarian	Disaster relief after hurricane
2019	Ecuador	humanitarian	Medical assistance
2019	Japan	humanitarian	Assisted search for missing Japanese pilot
2019	Lithuania	peacekeeping	Enhance defensive capability
2019	Saudi Arabia	peacekeeping	Enhance defensive capability
2019	Venezuela	humanitarian	Medical assistance
2018	Colombia	humanitarian	Water well construction, information exchange, Provide medical, dental, and veterinary care
2018	Ecuador	humanitarian	Provide medical, dental, and veterinary care
2018	El Salvador	humanitarian	Water well construction, information exchange
2018	Honduras	humanitarian	Water well construction, information exchange
2018	Honduras	humanitarian	Provide medical, dental, and veterinary care
2018	Iceland	peacekeeping	Enhance defensive capability
2018	Panama	humanitarian	Water well construction, information exchange
2018	Peru	humanitarian	Provide medical, dental, and veterinary care
2018	Tanzania	peacekeeping	Anti-poaching training
2018	Thailand	humanitarian	Assisted in rescue of soccer team trapped in cave
2018	Trinidad and Tobago	humanitarian	Water well construction, information exchange
2018	Ukraine	peacekeeping	Enhance defensive capability
2018	Yemen	peacekeeping	Help grow Yemeni forces in fight against terrorism, offer humanitarian assistance
2017-2021	South Korea	peacekeeping	Ongoing presence in country in response to North Korean threats and behavior
2017-2020	Kuwait	terrorist suppression	Counterterrorism efforts against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
2017-2019	Poland	peacekeeping	Joined NATO forces in securing Europe in wake of Russian invasion of Crimea
2017-2019	Syria	military action	Sent to assist fight against Islamic state, destroy chemical weapons capabilities
2017	Dominica	humanitarian	Evacuations after hurricane
2017	Egypt	peacekeeping	Ongoing security efforts as part of peace treaty between Egypt and Israel
2017	England	peacekeeping	Provided deterrent air presence in wake of Russian invasion of Crimea
2017	Germany	peacekeeping	Joined NATO forces in securing Europe in wake of Russian invasion of Crimea
2017	Greece	peacekeeping	Joined NATO forces in securing Europe in wake of Russian invasion of Crimea
2017	Guatemala	humanitarian	Provide medical, dental, and veterinary care
2017	Honduras	humanitarian	Provide medical, dental, and veterinary care
2017	Niger	peacekeeping	Advise-and-assist mission in support of domestic forces
2017	Peru	humanitarian	Disaster relief after flooding
2017	Puerto Rico	humanitarian	Disaster relief after hurricane
2017	Sri Lanka	humanitarian	Disaster relief after flooding and landslides
2017	Uruguay	humanitarian	Assisted search for missing South Korean ship
2016-2021	Iraq	military action	Liberate city of Mosul from Islamic occupiers
2016-2017	Haiti	humanitarian	Disaster relief after hurricane
2016	Yemen	military action	Missile strikes on insurgent facilities
2015	Cameroon	terrorist suppression	Sent with consent to combat terrorist group
2015	Cuba	terrorist suppression	Counterterrorism efforts against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
2015	Djibouti	terrorist suppression	Counterterrorism efforts against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
2015	Egypt	terrorist suppression	Counterterrorism efforts against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
2015	Jordan	terrorist suppression	Counterterrorism efforts against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
2015	Kosovo	terrorist suppression	Counterterrorism efforts against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
2015	Kuwait	peacekeeping	Complemented existing security forces
2015	Libya	terrorist suppression	Counterterrorism efforts against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
2015	Somalia	terrorist suppression	Counterterrorism efforts against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
2015	South Korea	peacekeeping	Complemented existing security forces
2015	South Sudan	protection	Protect U.S. embassy amid civil unrest
2015	Syria	terrorist suppression	Counterterrorism efforts against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
2015	Turkey	terrorist suppression	Counterterrorism efforts against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
2015	Yemen	terrorist suppression	Counterterrorism efforts against al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)
2014-2015	Liberia	humanitarian	Assisted in humanitarian efforts to overcome Ebola epidemic
2014-2015	Senegal	humanitarian	Assisted in humanitarian efforts to overcome Ebola epidemic
2014-2015	West Africa	humanitarian	Assisted in humanitarian efforts to overcome Ebola epidemic
2014	Estonia	peacekeeping	Joined NATO forces in securing Europe in wake of Russian invasion of Crimea
2014	Latvia	peacekeeping	Joined NATO forces in securing Europe in wake of Russian invasion of Crimea
2014	Lithuania	peacekeeping	Joined NATO forces in securing Europe in wake of Russian invasion of Crimea
2014	Poland	peacekeeping	Joined NATO forces in securing Europe in wake of Russian invasion of Crimea
2014	South Korea	peacekeeping	Support South Korea army
2014	Ukraine	peacekeeping	Investigate plane crash
2013	Burundi	peacekeeping	Airlifted French forces and supplies
2013	Central African Republic	peacekeeping	Airlifted French forces and supplies
2013	Jordan	peacekeeping	Trained Jordanian forces, prepared for possible Syrian conflict
2013	Niger	peacekeeping	Supported intelligence gathering for French forces in Mali
2012-2013	Philippines	humanitarian	Delivered humanitarian relief to typhoon victims
2012-2013	Somalia	terrorist suppression	Fought al-Qaeda, rescued kidnapped U.S. and Danish citizens kidnapped by pirates
2012-2013	Yemen	peacekeeping	Protecting U.S. lives and property amid security threats
2011-2017	Central African Republic	terrorist suppression	Hunting Joseph Kony, leader of Lord’s Resistance Army, accused of massive war crimes
2011-2017	DR Congo	terrorist suppression	Hunting Joseph Kony, leader of Lord’s Resistance Army, accused of massive war crimes
2011-2017	South Sudan	terrorist suppression	Hunting Joseph Kony, leader of Lord’s Resistance Army, accused of massive war crimes
2011-2017	Uganda	terrorist suppression	Hunting Joseph Kony, leader of Lord’s Resistance Army, accused of massive war crimes
2011-2012	Libya	military action	Support U.N. forces with intelligence, logistical support, search and rescue assistance, help enforce no-fly zone, execute drone stikes
2011	Egypt	protection	Protected U.S. lives and property during unrest
2006	Lebanon	protection	Evacuated Americans and allies
2004-2005	Eritrea	peacekeeping	Deployed troops as part of effort to combat terrorism
2004-2005	Ethiopia	peacekeeping	Deployed troops as part of effort to combat terrorism
2004-2005	Kenya	peacekeeping	Deployed troops as part of effort to combat terrorism
2004	Haiti	covert action	CIA backed government overthrow
2004	Haiti	military action	Protected embassy and evacuated U.S. citizens and allies during rebellion, supported U.N. peacekeeping efforts
2003-2011	Iraq	Iraq War	Deposed Saddam Hussein-led government amid claims Iraq harbored al-Qaeda and was manufacturing weapons of mass destruction. Neither claim has been proven accurate
2003-2006	Djibouti	peacekeeping	Deployed troops as part of effort to combat terrorism
2003	Liberia	military action	Provided humanitarian assistance, restored order, prepared to defend and evacuate Americans and allies if needed
2002-2006	Yemen	peacekeeping	Deployed troops as part of effort to combat terrorism
2002-2004	Georgia	peacekeeping	Deployed troops as part of effort to combat terrorism
2002	Ivory Coast	peacekeeping	Sent forces to defend and evacuate Americans and allies if needed
2002	Philippines	peacekeeping	Deployed troops as part of effort to combat terrorism
2001-2021	Afghanistan	military action	Usurped al-Qaeda and Taliban-led government of Afghanistan, would occupy until 2021
2001	Albania	peacekeeping	Deployed troops as part of effort to combat terrorism
2001	Greece	peacekeeping	Deployed troops as part of effort to combat terrorism
2001	Macedonia	peacekeeping	Disarmed Albanian rebels, deployed troops as part of effort to combat terrorism
2000	Sierra Leone	peacekeeping	Sent forces to defend and evacuate Americans and allies if needed, deliver supplies to U.N. peacekeepers
2000	Yemen	peacekeeping	Deliver assistance after bombing of U.S. warship
1999-2012	Yugoslavia (Kosovo)	military action	Conducted air strikes to deter violence against Albanians in Kosovo, supplied troops to U.N. peacekeepers
1999-2002	East Timor	military action	Assisted U.N. forces in establishing peace, delivering humanitarian aid, establishing government
1999	Albania	humanitarian	Increased forces to better contain Yugoslavia, delivered humanitarian relief to Kosovar refugees
1999	Kenya	peacekeeping	Protected U.S. lives and embassy after bombing
1999	Macedonia	humanitarian	Delivered humanitarian relief to Kosovar refugees
1998-2001	Iraq	military action	Bombed military targets including facilities with suspected capability to manufacture weapons of mass destruction, enforced “no-fly” zones
1998	Afghanistan	terrorist suppression	Bombed suspected camps of Osama Bin Laden in response to embassy bombings
1998	Guinea-Bissau	protection	Evacuated Americans and allies
1998	Kenya	humanitarian	Medical and disaster relief after bombing of U.S. embassy
1998	Liberia	peacekeeping	Sent forces to defend and evacuate Americans and allies if needed
1998	Sudan	terrorist suppression	Bombed suspected camps of Osama Bin Laden in response to embassy bombings
1998	Tanzania	humanitarian	Medical and disaster relief after bombing of U.S. embassy
1997-1998	Albania	protection	Protected embassy and evacuated U.S. citizens and allies during unrest
1997	Cambodia	peacekeeping	Sent forces to defend and evacuate Americans and allies if needed
1997	Congo	peacekeeping	Sent forces to defend and evacuate Americans and allies from Zaire if needed
1997	Gabon	peacekeeping	Sent forces to defend and evacuate Americans and allies from Zaire if needed
1997	Sierra Leone	peacekeeping	Sent forces to defend and evacuate Americans and allies if needed
1996-1997	Zaire (Congo)	protection	Supported refugees amid period of unrest
1996	Central African Republic	protection	Protected embassy and evacuated U.S. citizens and allies during unrest
1996	Liberia	protection	Protected embassy and evacuated U.S. citizens and allies during unrest
1996	Rwanda	protection	Supported refugees amid period of unrest
1995	Croatia	peacekeeping	Bombed Serb airfield
1995	Somalia	military action	Assisted in withdrawal of U.N. troops
1994-2006	Bosnia and Herzegovina	military action	Aided Bosnian Muslims in war against Bosnian Serbs, remained as peacekeeping and anti-terrorism force for some time
1994	Rwanda	protection	Evacuated U.S. citizens during unrest
1993-1996	Haiti	military action	Enforced U.N. embargo against Haiti, later removed non-democratic government, occupied until previous government restored
1993-1994	Macedonia	peacekeeping	Maintained order and stability during period of unrest
1993	Bosnia	humanitarian	Air-dropped aid to Muslims surrounded by Serbians
1992-1994	Somalia	humanitarian	Assisted in delivery of humanitarian aid during time of warring factions, helped quell violence.
1992-1994	Yugoslavia	peacekeeping	Participated in NATO blockade of Serbia and Montenegro
1992	Kuwait	peacekeeping	Performed exercises on border to deter further Iraqi invasion
1992	Sierra Leone	protection	Evacuated Americans during military coup
1991-1993	Iraq	military action	Helped repel Iraq from Kuwait and deter further incursion. Many encounters. Would control airspace until 2003
1991	Haiti	covert action	CIA backed government coup
1991	Kuwait	peacekeeping	Helped repel Iraq from Kuwait
1991	Zaire	peacekeeping	Transported Belgian & French troops, evacuated nationals during looting and riots
1990	Liberia	protection	Protected U.S. lives and interests during period of unrest
1990	Saudi Arabia	peacekeeping	Force build-up to protect Saudi Arabia during Iraq invasion of Kuwait
1989-1990	Panama	military action	U.S. forces overthrow dictator Manuel Noriega
1989	Bolivia	peacekeeping	Helped track down drug manufacturers and traffickers
1989	Colombia	peacekeeping	Helped track down drug manufacturers and traffickers
1989	Libya	military action	U.S. fighter jets shot down Libyan jets that “demonstrated hostile intentions”
1989	Peru	peacekeeping	Helped track down drug manufacturers and traffickers
1989	Philippines	peacekeeping	Helped government quell coup attempt
1988-1990	Panama	military action	Protected U.S. lives and interests during revolt, then removed corrupt government
1987-1989	Iran	peacekeeping	U.S. forces block Iranian shipping, shoot down airliner
1987-1988	Persian Gulf	peacekeeping	U.S. forces escort Kuwaiti oil tankers during Iran-Iraq War
1986	Bolivia	peacekeeping	U.S. forces assist government in anti-drug operations
1986	Libya	military action	U.S. forces attacked terrorists in Libya
1985	Italy	peacekeeping	U.S. planes forced Egyptian airliner carrying hijackers who killed American to land in Italy
1984	Persian Gulf (IRan)	peacekeeping	U.S. planes assist Saudi Arabian fighter planes in shooting down Iranian fighter planes in protected zone
1983-1989	Honduras	peacekeeping	U.S. transported Honduran troops to border to deter invasion from Nicaragua
1983	Chad	peacekeeping	Surveillance plane sent to Egypt in response to bombing in Sudan
1983	Egypt	peacekeeping	Surveillance plane sent to Egypt in response to bombing in Sudan
1983	Grenada	military action	Protected lives and restored order at request of nearby nations
1982-1984	Lebanon	military action	U.S. troops joined Multinational Force to evacuate Palestine Liberation force from Beirut
1981-1992	El Salvador	peacekeeping	U.S. advisors trained troops to help quell insurgency, conducted counter-insurgency activities
1981-1990	Nicaragua	covert action	CIA backs Contra rebel groups, drops mines in harbors
1981	Libya	military action	U.S. fighter jets shot down Libyan jets that fired on them
1980	Iran	military action	Attempted to rescue American hostages.
1978	Zaire	military action	Supported French and Belgian rescue operations
1976-1992	Angola	covert action	CIA and military operations conducted
1976	Lebanon	military action	Evacuated Americans and Eurpoeans during civil unrest
1975	Cambodia	military action	Marines engaged government forces
1975	South Vietnam	military action	Evacuated U.S. nationals
1975	Vietnam	military action	Evacuated refugees and U.S. nationals
1974	Cyprus	military action	Evacuated U.S. nationals during Turkey/Greece conflict
1973	Chile	covert action	CIA backed government overthrow
1971-1973	Laos	military action	Entered country alongside South Vietnamese
1970	Cambodia	military action	Assisted withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Vietnam
1970	Oman	peacekeeping	Counter-insurgency activity
1969-1975	Cambodia	covert action	CIA backed government overthrow, bombing along Vietnam border
1967	Congo	protection	Protected government during revolt
1967	Guatemala	peacekeeping	Counter-insurgency activity
1966	Ghana	covert action	CIA backed government overthrow
1965	Congo	covert action	CIA backed government overthrow
1965	Dominican Republic	protection	Protected U.S. lives and interests during revolt
1965	Indonesia	covert action	CIA backed government overthrow
1964-1975	Vietnam	Vietnam War	Supported South Vietnam in war against North Vietnam
1964	Brazil	covert action	CIA backed government overthrow
1964	Congo	protection	Assisted Congolese and Belgian troops during rebellion
1964	Panama	military action	U.S. forces engaged with locals
1963	Ecuador	covert action	CIA backed government overthrow
1962-1975	Laos	military action	Supported anti-Communist military forces
1962	Cuba	Cuban missile crisis	Instituted Naval blockade and quarantine on Soviet missile shipments to Cuba
1962	Laos	covert action	CIA backed government overthrow
1962	Thailand	protection	Protected country during threat of communist invasion
1961	Cuba	covert action	Failed Bay of Pigs invasion backed by CIA
1960-1964	Vietnam	military action	U.S. began to send military advisors and special forces
1960	Congo	covert action	CIA backed government overthrow
1959-1960	Caribbean	protection	Protected U.S. citizens during Cuban crisis
1959	Haiti	military action	Marine intervention
1958	Lebanon	peacekeeping	Maintained order during threatened insurrection
1958	Panama	military action	U.S. forces engaged with locals
1956	Egypt	protection	Evacuated U.S. citizens and others curing Suez crisis
1954-1955	China	protection	Evacuated U.S. citizens and forces from Tachen (Dachen) islands
1954	Guatemala	covert action	CIA executed government coup
1953	Iran	covert action	CIA operation arranges coup of government
1950-1955	Taiwan	protection	Protected U.S. interests during attacks from mainland China
1950-1953	Korea	Korean War	Assisted South Korea in war against North Korea
1948	Germany	humanitarian	Circumvented blockade to deliver supplies to Berlin
1948	Italy	covert action	CIA involved in national election
1948	Palestine	protection	Protected U.S. official
1947-1954	Philippines	covert action	CIA operations
1947-1949	Greece	peacekeeping	Counter-insurgency activity
1946-1949	China	protection	Protected U.S. interests during revolution, significant number of troops fighting, advising, and training
1946	Iran	peacekeeping	Troops deployed in north
1946	Italy (Trieste)	protection	Build-up of forces after Yugoslavia shot down U.S. Army transport
1945	China	military action	Assist in retaking control from Japanese
1942-1945	Bulgaria	World War II	Multiple operations
1942-1945	Hungary	World War II	Multiple operations
1942-1945	Romania	World War II	Multiple operations
1941-1945	Germany	World War II	Multiple operations
1941-1945	Italy	World War II	Multiple operations
1941-1945	Japan	World War II	Multiple operations
1941	Greenland	protection	Taken under protection at request of Greenland government
1941	Iceland	protection	Taken under protection at request of Iceland government
1941	Netherlands	military action	Occupied Dutch Guiana at request of exiled Netherland government
1940	Antigua	protection	Protected U.S. lend-lease bases obtained from Great Britain
1940	Bahamas	protection	Protected U.S. lend-lease bases obtained from Great Britain
1940	Bermuda	protection	Protected U.S. lend-lease bases obtained from Great Britain
1940	Guiana	protection	British territory at the time. Protected U.S. lend-lease air bases obtained from Great Britain
1940	Jamaica	protection	Protected U.S. lend-lease bases obtained from Great Britain
1940	Newfoundland	protection	Protected U.S. lend-lease bases obtained from Great Britain
1940	St. Lucia	protection	Protected U.S. lend-lease bases obtained from Great Britain
1940	Trinidad	protection	Protected U.S. lend-lease bases obtained from Great Britain
1933	Cuba	show of force	Show of force during revolution
1932	China	protection	Protected U.S. interests during Japanese occupation
1932	El Salvador	peacekeeping	Navy intervenes in conflict
1926-1933	Nicaragua	protection	Protected U.S. interests during coup d’etat and revolution
1925	Panama	protection	Protected U.S. interests during riots
1924-1925	Honduras	protection	Protected U.S. interests during hostile election and unrest that followed
1922	Costa Rica	show of force	Prevented war between Panama and Costa Rica
1922	Panama	show of force	Prevented war between Panama and Costa Rica
1922	Turkey	protection	Protected U.S. lives and interests during revolution
1920-1922	Russia	protection	Protected U.S. interests during social unrest
1920	Guatemala	protection	Protected U.S. interests during social unrest
1919	Croatia	peacekeeping	Maintained order during civil strife
1919	Honduras	peacekeeping	Maintained order during civil strife
1919	Turkey	protection	Protected U.S. interests during Greek occupation
1919	Yugoslavia	peacekeeping	Intervene in Dalmatia conflict
1918-1922	Russia	protection	Protected U.S. interests during battle with Czechoslovakia and in response to Bolshevik revolution
1918-1920	Panama	peacekeeping	Police duty during and after elections
1917-1933	Cuba	protection	Protected U.S. interests during and after insurrection, occupied for 15 years
1917-1918	Austria-Hungary	World War I
1917-1918	Germany	World War I
1916-1924	Dominican Republic	protection	Maintained order during political instability
1916	China	protection	Quell riot on American property in China
1915-1934	Haiti	protection	Maintained order during political instability
1914-1919	Mexico	undeclared hostilities
1914	Dominican Republic	military action	Established neutral zone and stopped bombardment during revolution
1914	Haiti	protection	Protected U.S. lives during revolution
1913	Mexico	military action	Helped Americans evacuate during civil unrest
1912-1941	China	protection	Protected U.S. interests during revolution and invasion by Japan
1912-1933	Nicaragua	protection	Protected U.S. interests during and after attempted revolution, occupy for 20 years
1912	Cuba	protection	Protected U.S. interests during civil unrest
1912	Honduras	protection	Protected U.S. interests, but withdrawn shortly
1912	Panama	peacekeeping	Supervised election
1912	Turkey	protection	Protected U.S. interests during Balkan War
1911	Honduras	protection	Protected U.S. interests during civil war
1911	China	protection	Protected U.S. interests as revolution neared
1910	Nicaragua	protection	Protected U.S. interests during unrest
1907	Honduras	protection	Protected U.S. interests during war with Nicaragua
1907	Nicaragua	protection	Occupied major population centers during unrest
1906-1909	Cuba	protection	Protected U.S. interests after revolution
1904-1905	Korea	protection	Protected U.S. interests during Russo-Japanese War
1904	Morocco	protection	Rescue and protection of kidnapped Americans
1903-1914	Panama	protection	Protected U.S. interests following revolution
1903-1904	Abyssinia	protection	Protected U.S. interests during treaty negotiations
1903-1904	Dominican Republic	protection	Protected U.S. interests during revolution
1903	Guam	protection	Navy begins contruction of permanent base
1903	Honduras	protection	Protected U.S. interests during revolution
1903	Syria	protection	Protected U.S. interests during unrest
1901-1903	Panama (territory of Colombia)	protection	Protected railways and U.S. interests during revolution and civil war
1900	China	protection	Protected lives during Boxer Rebellion
1899-1901	Philippines	protection	Protected U.S. interests during revolution
1899	Nicaragua	protection	Protected U.S. interests during political insurrection
1899	Samoa	protection	Protected U.S. interests during political unrest
1898-1899	China	protection	Protected U.S. interests during political ceremony
1898	Cuba (Spanish territory)	Spanish-American War	Multiple conflicts
1898	Guam	imperialism	Annex Spanish territory Guam Island
1898	Philippines	imperialism	Take control of Spanish territory Philippines
1898	Puerto Rico	imperialism	Annex Spanish territory Puerto Rico
1896 & 1898	Nicaragua	protection	Protected U.S. lives and interests during political unrest
1895	Colombia	protection	Protected U.S. lives and interests during political revolt
1894-1896	Korea	protection	Protected U.S. lives and interests after Sino-Japanese War
1894-1895	China	protection	Protected U.S. lives, served as honor guard
1894	Brazil	show of force	Show of force to protect shipping lanes during Civil War
1894	Nicaragua	protection	Protected U.S. interests during revolution
1893	Hawaii	protection	Protected U.S. lives and interests. This justification is disputed
1891	Bering Strait	police action	Quelling seal poachers
1891	Chile	protection	Protected U.S. interests during civil war
1891	Haiti	protection	Protected U.S. interests
1890	Argentina	protection	Protected U.S. interests during civil unrest
1889	Hawaii	protection	Protected U.S. interests during revolution
1888-1889	Samoa	protection	Protected U.S. lives and interests during civil war
1888	Haiti	show of force	Recovered captured U.S. ship
1888	Korea	protection	Protected U.S. lives during civil unrest
1887	Hawaii	imperialism	Navy gains right to build permanent naval base at Pearl Harbor.
1885	Colombia (Panama Region)	protection	Protected railways during revolution
1885	Samoa	protection	Naval force deployed.
1882	Egypt (British)	protection	Protected U.S. interests during British/Egyptian war and looting
1876	Mexico	protection	Protected U.S. lives and interests during civil unrest
1874	Hawaii	peacekeeping	Protected U.S. interests during coronation of new king
1873-1896	Mexico	police action	Border incursions in pursuit of cattle thieves. Formally legitimized in 1882
1873	Colombia	protection	Protected U.S. interests during civil unrest
1871	Korea	retaliation	Retaliation for preying upon U.S. ships and crew
1870	Mexico	piracy suppression	Destroyed pirate ship
1868	Colombia	protection	Protected U.S. lives and interests during moment of unrest
1868	Japan	protection	Protected U.S. interests during civil war
1868	Uruguay	protection	Protected U.S. lives during insurrection
1867	Formosa Island (Taiwan)	retaliation	Known as Formosa at the time. Retaliation for murder of U.S. sailors
1867	Midway Island	imperialism	Naval forces seize this island in the Hawaiian Archipelago for a naval base.
1867	Nicaragua	military action	Occupied Managua and Leon
1866	China	retaliation	Retaliation for attack on U.S. consul
1866	Mexico	military action	Misguided incursion in the name of protecting Texas, retreated after 3 days
1865-1866	Colombia (Panama Region)	protection	Protected U.S. lives and interests during revolution
1864	Japan	peacekeeping	Protected diplomat to display U.S. power
1863	Japan	retaliation	Retaliation for firing upon U.S. vessel
1860	Angola	protection	Protected U.S. citizens from violent locals
1860	Colombia (Panama Region)	protection	Protected U.S. interests during revolution
1860	Portuguese West Africa	military action	Troops land at Kissembo.
1859	China	protection	Protected U.S. interests
1859	Mexico	police action	Pursuit of bandit Juan Cortina
1859	Paraguay	retaliation	Prompted by attack on U.S. naval vessel
1858-1859	Turkey	show of force	In response to killing of Americans
1858	Fiji	retaliation	Retaliation for murder of American traders
1858	Uruguay	protection	Protected U.S. interests during revolution
1857	Nicaragua	police action	Reining in rogue U.S. sea captain
1856	China	protection	Protected U.S. interests during China/Britain conflict, retaliate for attack on U.S. ship
1856	Colombia (Panama Region)	protection	Protected U.S. interests during insurrection
1856	Hawaii	military action	Naval forces seize small islands of Jarvis, Baker and Howland in the Hawaiian Islands.
1855	China	piracy suppression	Protected U.S. interests and fought pirates
1855	Fiji	retaliation	Retaliation for preying upon U.S. citizens and sailors
1855	Uruguay	protection	Protected U.S. interests during revolution
1854	China	protection	Protected U.S. citizens and interests during political unrest
1854	Nicaragua	retaliation	Retaliation for political insult
1853-1854	Japan	show of force
1853	Nicaragua	protection	Protected U.S. citizens and interests during political unrest
1852-1853	Argentina	protection	Protected U.S. interests during revolution
1852-1853	Johanns Island (Africa)	retaliation	Retaliation for unlawful imprisonment of American sea captain
1849-1851	Ottoman Empire (Turkey)	military action	Multiple incidents
1846-1848	Mexico	Mexican War	War over U.S. annexation of Texas. Mexico cedes significant territory to the US
1844	Mexico	protection	Protected former Mexican territory of Texas from Mexico
1843	China	retaliation	Retaliation for scuffle between American and Chinese sailors in what is now Guangzhou
1843	Ivory Coast	piracy suppression	Possibly other African countries as well
1842	Mexico (Monterey)	military action	Commodore thought war had begun, so invaded. Retreated when he learned of his mistake
1841	Kiribati	retaliation	Called Taputeoiea (Tabiteuea) or Drummond’s Island at the time. Revenge for murder of U.S. sailor
1841	Samoa	retaliation	Retaliation for the murder of American sailor
1840-1841	Fiji	retaliation	Retaliation for attacking American explorers
1838-1839	Sumatra	retaliation	Retaliation for preying on American ships
1837	Canada	Naval incident on the Canadian border leads to mobilization of a large force to invade Canada. War is narrowly averted.
1836	Mexico	military action	Troops assist Texas war for independence.
1835-1836	Peru	protection	Protected U.S. interests during revolution.
1833	Argentina	protection	Naval forces sent to Buenos Aires to protect U.S. interests during insurrection
1832	Sumatra	retaliation	Retaliation for plundering of American ship
1831-1832	Falkland Islands	police action	Investigating capture of three American ships
1827	Greece	piracy suppression	Marines invade the Greek islands of Argentiere, Miconi and Andross.
1822-1825	Cuba (Spanish territory)	piracy suppression
1820-1823	Africa	police action	Attempting to impede slave trade
1818	Oregon (disputed territory)	imperialism	Ceded by Britain, claimed by Spain and Russia
1817	Amelia Island (Spanish territory)	police action	Apprehending smugglers and freebooters
1816-1818	Florida (Spanish territory)	First Seminole War	Police action against raiders
1815	Algeria	Second Barbary War	US naval fleet under Captain Stephen Decatur wages “Second Barbary War” in North Africa.
1815	Libya (Tripoli)	Second Barbary War	US naval fleet under Captain Stephen Decatur wages “Second Barbary War” in North Africa.
1814-1825	Cuba	piracy suppression	Extended to several islands of the Caribbean
1814-1825	Dominican Republic	piracy suppression	Extended to several islands of the Caribbean
1814-1825	Mexico (Yucatan)	piracy suppression	Extended to several islands of the Caribbean
1814-1825	Puerto Rico	piracy suppression	Extended to several islands of the Caribbean
1813	Marquesas Islands	military action	U.S. commodore seizes Pacific island Nuka Hiva for U.S, but Congress never ratifies claim.
1812-1815	Great Britain	War of 1812	War fought at sea and in British territory in North America
1812-1815	Ireland	War of 1812	War fought at sea and in British territory in North America
1810-1816	Florida (Spanish territory)	military action	Several events. Included West Florida, Amelia Island, and other territories in East Florida
1806-1810	Mexico (Spanish territory)	military action	Brief incursion into Mexican territory, additional naval battles
1801-1805	Libya (Tripoli)	First Barbary War	Action centered around Tripoli, in modern-day Libya
1798-1800	France	Undeclared Naval War with France	No landing in mainland France, but in French territory
1798-1800	Dominican Republic	Undeclared Naval War with France	Was French territory at the time.