War Era's

Military War Eras: From the Civil War to Vietnam

American Civil War (1861–1865)

During the American Civil War North and South fought each other (Union and Confederacy) mainly for slavery and state powers. The conflict used trench warfare and ironclad ships and rifled muskets to become one of the first true modern wars. Over 600,000 people died in the war before the Union achieved victory which resulted in both Union preservation and slavery abolition across the United States.

Anglo-Zulu War (1879)

During the Zulu War between British forces and the Zulu Kingdom in South Africa colonial expansion met its match against indigenous resistance. The Zulus used their traditional fighting methods to defeat British soldiers at the Battle of Isandlwana despite being outgunned by modern weapons. The British victory led to their increased dominance of southern African territories.

World War I (1914–1918)

During World War I major European powers divided into the Allies and Central Powers fought a global conflict known as "The Great War." The war witnessed the introduction of trench warfare poison gas and tanks. The Treaty of Versailles implemented new national borders which created conditions for worldwide tensions during the following period.

World War II (1939–1945)

World War II proved to be the deadliest war in history because it involved more than thirty countries and resulted in the loss of over 70 million lives. Advanced military technology including aircraft carriers’ radar and atomic bombs appeared in the conflict between fascist powers and their victims. The Allied victory led to the domination of the United States and Soviet Union as world powers following the defeat of the Axis Powers.

Korean War (1950–1953)

After World War II Korea became separated into two distinct territories. North Korean forces invaded South Korea with Chinese and Soviet support thus prompting a U.N.-led United States military response. A military stalemate brought an end to the conflict which left the Korean Peninsula divided at the 38th parallel and ongoing tensions continue until the present day.

Vietnam War (1955–1975)

The Vietnam War emerged as a Cold War battle between communist North Vietnam and the United States-allied South Vietnam and other nations. The war became famous for its guerrilla warfare tactics and jungle battles as well as the extensive deployment of helicopters. The conflict finished when North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon and achieved communist control over all of Vietnam.