U.S. Wars
—A Timeline of Conflicts
By Michelle Miller
King Philip’s War
1675–1676
Philip (Metacomet), son of Chief Massasoit, in what is also called the First Indian War,
resisted expansion coming from original Puritan settlements in Massachusetts when
earlier relationships deteriorated. Other Indians allied with colonists.
Colonial Wars
(New World colonies included
in power struggles of “mother
countries” in Old World):
King William’s War
1689–1697
Again, England and France vied in Europe, then in the colonies; Indians aligned on
both sides.
King George’s War
1740–1748
England and Spain/France vied in Europe and colonies; Indians aligned on both sides.
Queen Anne’s War
1702–1713
England and France’s war in Europe spread to colonies; the French (and Indian allies) in
Canada and Ohio Valley fought Americans (and Indian allies) in English seaboard colonies.
French & Indian War
1754–1763
English-American colonists vs. the surrounding French and their Indian allies. Conflict
spread to Europe in 1756, where it was called the Seven Years’ War.
American Revolution/War of
Independence
1775–1783
Growing from good values in the Pilgrims, Puritans, and other early settlers (who realized
the blessing of God’s law), and with unexpected opportunities to self-govern, the American
worldview increasingly differed. When the English (British) government attempted
unlawful power, the American colonies sought independence, with the official “birthday”
being July 4, 1776. The war closed with the amazing win at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781,
but the final peace treaty was not grudgingly signed by the Brits until 1783.
War of 1812
1812–1815
Known as the “Second War of American Independence,” naval struggles between the
U.S. and Britain, as well as frontier frictions (Britain still held land around American
territory), including the Battle of Tippecanoe between Tecumseh’s 1811 Indian alliance
and William Henry Harrison, led to war. Britain hoped to renew its control over the
young, weak American nation . . . but it didn’t turn out that way! Britain actually agreed
to stop fighting before the final Battle of New Orleans in January, 1815, but word had not
yet reached the States.
Mexican War
1846–1848
This involved not only Texas, and its Alamo, but also California and the Southwest,
eventually bringing those areas out of the Spanish-Mexican control and into American
statehood.
Civil War
1861–1865
Northern and southern American states went to war . . . with each other! The issues were
several, including sectional differences and slavery. There is still disagreement about the
war, its causes, and its continuing effects. In the end, the Union was maintained and our
history goes on.
