American Empire Timeline by Adam Hollister

1865 - End of the Civil War

ahollister2_1 — 2025-08-10 15:17:43 UTC

The Confederate surrender at Appomattox marked the end of the United States Civil War. Here is where we see a reconstruction to rebuild the South as well as integrate the newly freed slaves. We saw the expansion of the United States government's power, which included a much stronger military presence in the South. Industrialization, with the expansion of railroads, was driven by war and helped to facilitate westward movement along with the displacement of Native Americans. Also, a new interest had emerged with the attention directed towards Alaska, allowing for the purchase from Russia, which signified a clear interest in expanding territory within the United States. The significance of the end of the Civil War was a consolidation of internal power, coupled with the growth of a new industry, allowing for the economic and military foundation to be laid, springboarding future overseas empire building.

1898 - Spanish American War

ahollister2_1 — 2025-08-10 16:09:37 UTC

The Spanish-American War marked the United States' becoming a colonial power. This war with Spain over Cuba was launched with the explosion of the USS Maine, combined with yellow journalism. As a result of the war, the United States gained control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, along with Cuba, becoming a protector for the United States. Also, this year, we saw the annexation of Hawaii. Those who look back may wonder about the motivations for the United States; however, they become clearer the more you look. Economic interest that involved sugar along with trade routes was one driving factor. Naval strategy, along with the usual nationalist ideals, was also a contributing factor in the United States' involvement. In this anti-colonial war in the Philippines against the United States occupation, resistance held great significance for this event. The Spanish-American War's role in developing the American empire was quite significant. Many see this as the birth of the empire overseas as the United States joined other imperial powers to control territories across oceans and seas.

1917-1918 - United States Entry Into World War I

ahollister2_1 — 2025-08-10 16:23:20 UTC

After unrestricted submarine warfare combined with the Zimmerman telegram, the United States declared war on Germany. Millions of troops and supplies were immobilized by the United States, allowing for the balance to be tipped towards the allies. At the time, Woodrow Wilson outlined a vision for what could only be described as a new global order. This has come to be known as Woodrow Wilson's 14 Points. The impact of this event was on many different fronts, but most notably, it contributed to the United States ' emergence as a global military and economic powerhouse. Also, President Wilson's League of Nations would not include the United States. World War I was a major ideological event for the United States of America. The United States perceived itself as having a moral duty to assist in shaping the world. This also allowed for a justification for future interventions by the United States under the ideals of democracy. These justifications are still true today as the United States continues to involve itself in global conflicts under similar ideological justification.

1941-1945 - World War II

ahollister2_1 — 2025-08-10 17:40:26 UTC

Most notably for the United States were the events during World War II. An argument could certainly be made that this war truly made the United States a superpower. But the events at Pearl Harbor, United States, triggered a world war where the fight is fucked on both the Pacific and European fronts. The event that Pearl Harbor did was change the United States of America from isolationist to entering the war. The United States began campaigns in Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific, becoming one of the most extensive wars for this country. What was most influential came at the end of the war with the development and eventual use of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. World War II events saw the United 's' founding, the IMF, the World Bank, and a global economy based on the dollar. World War II had incredible and irreversible significance not just for the United States and the world. World War II confirmed that the United States was a global superpower, which meant they had the most significant military and economy, and had a brief moment in which they were a nuclear monopoly. Through the events of World War II, the American empire grew, gaining remarkable global influence for the United States.

1947-1991 - The Fight Against Communism

ahollister2_1 — 2025-08-10 18:42:19 UTC

This era in the American empire saw the war waged against communism. This year saw a wide range of conflicts over multiple decades and continents. The Korean War saw US forces lead UN forces in all of South Korea. The Vietnam War was a significant conflict focused on stopping the spread of communism. This war was lost for many reasons and only ended when the United States had true troops. With multiple CIA cruises taking place, the war in Latin America saw the Atella in Chile conflict take place. Then, what most of us are familiar with today is the conflict in the Middle East. There was an overthrow of Iran's Mossadegh in 1953. The United States displayed support for Italy, such as Israel and Saudi Arabia, this year also saw a significant increase in military buildup with such things as nuclear arsenal and the development of NATO—this time. The Cold War consisted of covert operations, propaganda, and economic aid—this time. The American empire's development was significant as the Cold War expanded the United States ' military and intelligence globally. This growth in the American empire was justified under the name of freedom; however, the United States sometimes supported authoritarian regimes. This could be evidence of the true nature of the United States' actions based on self-interest, primarily to further the American empire.

1991 - Gulf War

ahollister2_1 — 2025-08-10 19:13:13 UTC

The Gulf War was a genuine turning point for the American empire. This war began when Iraq invaded Kuwait. The United States' Operation Desert Storm sought to push Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait. This war taught me about a fast and technologically advanced fighting style. The United States gained international support, including from the United Nations. US troops were also stationed in Saudi Arabia, causing some backlash. What this war did was set the stage for future involvement in Iraq. This war also demonstrated the US's capabilities to lead multiple coalitions and can affect the global response to conflicts. This era in the American empire saw the United States as the international police and sole superpower.

2001-2021 War On Terror

ahollister2_1 — 2025-08-10 19:23:24 UTC

This era in the American empire has truly seen the American empire expand to great lengths by involving itself in global conflict. This era was initiated with the tragic events of September 11. The attacks by Al-Qaeda on the World Trade Center in New York City sparked military action that would eventually extend for two decades and multiple countries. The Afghanistan war was the beginning of this American empire expansion and saw the capture of the engineer behind September 11. The longest war in US history aimed to defeat Al-Qaeda and the Taliban during this time. We also saw a war in Iraq, based on the claims of weapons of mass destruction present, which ultimately led to a regime change, Civil War, and what most would say the rise of ISIS. Globally, we saw drone strikes and covert operations, and countries such as Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia, and Syria, regime changes, and massive surveillance, leading to the expansion of homeland security as a result of this era. Many made accusations of imperial overreach, human rights violations, and destabilization of many areas. The cost was significant. The significance of this era in the American Empire fueled the limits of the United States' power, along with an anti-American sentiment. There is a debate over the precise role of the American government globally and where the American empire belongs. Huge involvement and conflicts cause many at home to question the military-industrial conflict.

2020-Present - Retrenchment With Strategic Competition

ahollister2_1 — 2025-08-10 19:46:06 UTC

This era included the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, which ended 20 years of the United States' presence. The focus shifted towards China and Russia—the global technology competition has garnered much of the United States' attention. We see new tools such as economic sanctions against Russia and Iran. The trade war started, and there was some revitalization of alliance-building. The military posturing now pivots towards the end of the Pacific War, showing Support in 2022 for the Russian-Ukrainian War. Although the US remains dominant, it faces more competition and rising nationalism abroad. At home, skepticism grows regarding the actual cost of this American empire. The American empire's future remains uncertain, but new leadership looks more optimistic. It is believed that, although the United States has a history of mistakes, compounded by constant intervention in global conflict, the reality is that a strong America generally benefits the world. The Western way of life has undoubtedly led to a better quality of life for millions. Policies that ultimately put America first will, in the end, also benefit the allies of this country. After all, elected officials who are elected by the people, and for the people, should always put American interests first.