American Military History: From Colonials to Counterinsurgents

Overview

Gen. Wesley Clark, decorated Vietnam veteran and former NATO commander, analyzes America’s greatest battles—including his own. This course provides an in-depth exploration of American military history, examining the critical conflicts that have shaped the nation.

Course Details

In this 24-lecture course, Gen. Clark takes you through significant military events from the French and Indian War to contemporary conflicts. You’ll learn about:

• The evolution of warfare and military strategy in American history.
• Key battles and leaders that defined various eras.
• The effects of wars on American society, politics, and foreign policy.

Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, Gen. Clark emphasizes the enduring lessons of military engagement in shaping the United States.

Video Lessons

1. America: Forged in War (30 min)

• Introduction to the key historical forces from 1865 and the French and Indian War.

1. George Washington Takes Command (29 min)

• Washington’s leadership during the Revolutionary War and its implications.

1. Redcoats Fall to the Continental Army (28 min)

• Key events of the American Revolution leading to the defeat of British forces.

1. Andrew Jackson and the War of 1812 (28 min)

• The complexities surrounding America’s motivations and tactics in the War of 1812.

1. The Mexican-American War of 1846–1848 (28 min)

• Explore strategic military actions that shaped America’s territorial expansion.

1. Opening Volleys of the Civil War: 1861–1862 (30 min)

• Analyze the factors leading to the Civil War and key early battles.

1. The Civil War’s Main Front: 1862 (27 min)

• Follow the critical events and leadership changes during the Civil War.

1. Vicksburg to Gettysburg: 1862–1863 (29 min)

• Study the turning points of the Civil War, including decisive battles.

1. Chattanooga to Appomattox: 1863–1865 (29 min)

• The final phases of the Civil War and Lee’s surrender.

1. The Spanish-American War of 1898 (29 min)

• Explore America’s emergence on the global stage following this conflict.

1. American Expeditionary Forces: 1917–1918 (27 min)

• Overview of America’s involvement in World War I and its implications.

1. John J. Pershing, the Doughboys, and France (27 min)

• Examine the American Expeditionary Force’s impact in WWI.

1. From Pearl Harbor to the Battle of Midway (29 min)

• Analyzing America’s early responses in World War II.

1. War in North Africa and the South Pacific (30 min)

• Strategies and outcomes of concurrent conflicts during WWII.

1. Air Power over Germany; Toward Japan by Sea (29 min)

• Explore the evolution of air mobility and combined arms in WWII campaigns.

1. From Normandy to Berlin and Tokyo (29 min)

• The critical moments of D-Day and the path to victory in both theaters.

1. Korea and the Cold War (30 min)

• Investigate America’s military strategy and involvement in the Korean War.

1. The United States Enters Vietnam (30 min)

• Understanding the build-up to U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

1. Elusive Victory in Southeast Asia (29 min)

• The challenges and tactics faced by U.S. forces in Vietnam.

1. American Forces in Grenada and Panama (29 min)

• Analyze the military engagements aimed at restoring democracy.

1. Knocking Iraq Out of Kuwait (30 min)

• Examine the swift actions during the Gulf War to liberate Kuwait.

1. Balkan Wars: Bosnia and Kosovo (29 min)

• Insights from General Clark’s experience in conflict resolution.

1. Afghanistan, Iraq, and Terrorism (29 min)

• The impact of post-9/11 military engagements in the War on Terror.

1. Facing Wars Past and Future (32 min)

• Lessons learned from military history and the future of American military policy.