The American Soldier: The Complete History of U.S. Wars

Season 1

Born and nurtured in war, America grew in strength and power and now, in the 21st century, it is the foremost military power in the world. George Kennedy takes us on this three hundred-year saga of United States wars.

Where to Watch Season 1

8 Episodes

Wars for the Continent
E1
Wars for the ContinentThe musket dominated the battlefields as the first official wars in America saw little in weaponry advances. The militia comprised of farmers and the city person would rally together to defend their lifestyles and dwellings proved to be the root cause of their joining together.
The Revolutionary War
E2
The Revolutionary WarAfter the colonists had to deal with the Native Americans, and then the French, their most formidable opponent would become their former homeland, England.
Manifest Destiny Wars
E3
Manifest Destiny WarsAmerica had no standing Navy during the Revolutionary War. They came to realize that would have to have a full-time naval defense in its territorial waters in order to compete with the military powers of the world.
The Civil War
E4
The Civil WarOnly American lives were lost. The War Between the States, more commonly referred to as The Civil War was the darkest period in U.S. history. American soldiers turned innovative and more lethal weapons on each other and tore the nation apart. It would take time to heal. The nation is still healing.
The Imperial Wars
E5
The Imperial WarsThe U.S. took its growing military might and entered the world stage of burgeoning colonialism desires. The Spanish- American War and even eventual entry into the World War in 1917.
The Global Wars
E6
The Global WarsAmerica stood it's ground against world totalitarianism pursued by both Germany and Japan in World War II and against communism in the Korean War. Military weapons, ships, aircraft, and infantry gear had made great technological improvements.
The Cold War
E7
The Cold WarThere were not any battles between nations, instead the USA and the USSR engaged in all means and methods of skullduggery against each other in direct and indirect means rather than use atomic weapons.
The Police Wars
E8
The Police WarsAfter experiencing a devastating defeat to Vietnam's military tactics, the later years saw the USA re-emerge as the single super power and police force of world conflicts.