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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
901 M STREET SE -
WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
(NOTE: The following represents the views of the author and not necessarily
the views of the Naval Historical Center.)
Instances of Use of United States Forces Abroad, 1798 - 1993
by Ellen C. Collier, Specialist in U.S. Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs and
National Defense Division Washington DC: Congressional Research Service
-- Library of Congress -- October 7, 1993
Summary
This report lists 234 instances in which the United States has used its
armed forces abroad in situations of conflict or potential conflict or for
other than normal peacetime purposes. It brings up to date a 1989 list that
was compiled in part from various older lists and is intended primarily to
provide a rough sketch survey of past U.S. military ventures abroad. A
detailed description and analysis are not undertaken here.
The instances differ greatly in number of forces, purpose, extent of
hostilities, and legal authorization. Five of the instances are declared
wars: the War of 1812, the Mexican War of 1846, the Spanish American War of
1898, World War I declared in 1917, and World War II declared in 1941.
Some of the instances were extended military engagements that might be
considered undeclared wars. These include the Undeclared Naval War with
France from 1798 to 1800; the First Barbary War from 1801 to 1805; the
Second Barbary War of 1815; the Korean War of 1950-53; the Vietnam War from
1964 to 1973; and the Persian Gulf War of 1991. In some cases, such as the
Persian Gulf War against Iraq, Congress authorized the military action
although it did not declare war.
The majority of the instances listed were brief Marine or Navy actions prior
to World War II to protect U.S. citizens or promote U.S. interests. A number
were actions against pirates or bandits. Some were events, such as the
stationing of Marines at an Embassy or legation, which later were considered
normal peacetime practice. Covert actions, disaster relief, and routine
alliance stationing and training exercises are not included here, nor are
the Civil and Revolutionary Wars and the continual use of U.S. military
units in the exploration, settlement, and pacification of the West.
INSTANCES OF USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES
ABROAD, 1798-1993 (Note 1)
The following list indicates approximately 234 times that the United States
has utilized military forces abroad in situations of conflict or potential
conflict to protect U.S. citizens or promote U.S. interests. The list does
not include covert actions or numerous instances in which U.S. forces have
been stationed abroad since World War II in occupation forces or for
participation in mutual security organizations, base agreements, or routine
military assistance or training operations. Because of differing judgments
over the actions to be included, other lists may include more or fewer
instances. (Note 2)
The instances vary greatly in size of operation, legal authorization, and
significance. The number of troops involved range from a few sailors or
Marines landed to protect American lives and property to hundreds of
thousands in Vietnam and millions in World War II. Some actions were of
short duration and some lasted a number of years. In some instances a
military officer acted without authorization; some actions were conducted
solely under the President's powers as Chief Executive or Commander in
Chief; other instances were authorized by Congress in some fashion; five
were declared wars. For most of the instances listed, however, the status of
the action under domestic or international law has not been addressed. Thus
inclusion in this list does not connote either legality or significanc e.
1798-1800 -- Undeclared Naval War with France. This contest included land
actions, such as that in the Dominican Republic, city of Puerto Plata, where
marines captured a French privateer under the guns of the forts.
1801-05 -- Tripoli. The First Barbary War included the USS George Washington
and USS Philadelphia affairs and the Eaton expedition, during which a few
marines landed with United States Agent William Eaton to raise a force
against Tripoli in an effort to free the crew of the Philadelphia. Tripoli
declared war but not the United States.
1806 -- Mexico (Spanish territory). Capt. Z. M. Pike, with a platoon of
troops, invaded Spanish territory at the headwaters of the Rio Grande on
orders from Gen. James Wilkinson. He was made prisoner without resistance at
a fort he constructed in present day Colorado, taken to Mexico, and later
released after seizure of his papers.
1806-10 -- Gulf of Mexico. American gunboats operated from New Orleans
against Spanish and French privateers off the Mississippi Delta, chiefly
under Capt. John Shaw and Master Commandant David Porter.
1810 -- West Florida (Spanish territory). Gov. Claiborne of Louisiana, on
orders of the President, occupied with troops territory in dispute east of
Mississippi as far as the Pearl River, later the eastern boundary of
Louisiana. He was authorized to seize as far east as the Perdido River.
1812 -- Amelia Island and other - parts of east Florida, then under Spain.
Temporary possession was authorized by President Madison and by Congress, to
prevent occupation by any other power; but possession was obtained by Gen.
George Matthews in so irregular a manner that his measures were disavowed by
the President.
1812-15 -- War of 1812. On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war
between the United States and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland. Among the issues leading to the war were British interception of
neutral ships and blockades of the United States during British hostilities
with France.
1813 -- West Florida (Spanish territory). On authority given by Congress,
General Wilkinson seized Mobile Bay in April with 600 soldiers. A small
Spanish garrison gave way. Thus U.S. advanced into disputed territory to the
Perdido River, as projected in 1810. No fighting.
1813-14 -- Marguesas Islands. U.S. forces built a fort on the island of
Nukahiva to protect three prize ships which had been captured from the British.
1814 -- Spanish Florida. Gen. Andrew Jackson took Pensacola and drove out
the British with whom the United States was at war.
1814-25 -- Caribbean. Engagements between pirates and American ships or
squadrons took place repeatedly especially ashore and offshore about Cuba,
Puerto Rico, Santo Domingo, and Yucatan. Three thousand pirate attacks on
merchantmen were reported between 1815 and 1823. In 1822 Commodore James
Biddle employed a squadron of two frigates, four sloops of war, two brigs,
four schooners, and two gunboats in the West Indies.
1815 -- Algiers. The second Barbary War was declared by the opponents but
not by the United States. Congress authorized an expedition. A large fleet
under Decatur attacked Algiers and obtained indemnities.
1815 -- Tripoli. After securing an agreement from Algiers, Decatur
demonstrated with his squadron at Tunis and Tripoli, where he secured
indemnities for offenses during the War of 1812.
1816 -- Spanish Florida. United States forces destroyed Nicholls Fort,
called also Negro Fort, which harbored raiders making forays into United
States territory.
1816-18 -- Spanish Florida - First Seminole War. The Seminole Indians, whose
area was a resort for escaped slaves and border ruffians, were attacked by
troops under Generals Jackson and Gaines and pursued into northern Florida.
Spanish posts were attacked and occupied, British citizens executed. In 1819
the Floridas were ceded to the United States.
1817 -- Amelia Island (Spanish territory off Florida). Under orders of
President Monroe, United States forces landed and expelled a group of
smugglers, adventurers, and freebooters.
1818 -- Oregon. The USS. Ontario dispatched from Washington, landed at the
Columbia River and in August took possession of Oregon territory. Britain
had conceded sovereignty but Russia and Spain asserted claims to the area.
1820-23 -- Africa. Naval units raided the slave traffic pursuant to the 1819
act of Congress.
1822 -- Cuba. United States naval forces suppressing piracy landed on the
northwest coast of Cuba and burned a pirate station.
1823 -- Cuba. Brief landings in pursuit of pirates occurred April 8 near
Escondido; April 16 near Cayo Blanco; July 11 at Siquapa Bay; July 21 at
Cape Cruz; and October 23 at Camrioca.
1824 -- Cuba. In October the USS Porpoise landed bluejackets near Matanzas
in pursuit of pirates. This was during the cruise authorized in 1822.
1824 -- Puerto Rico (Spanish territory). Commodore David Porter with a
landing party attacked the town of Fajardo which had sheltered pirates and
insulted American naval officers. He landed with 200 men in November and
forced an apology. Commodore Porter was later court-martialed for
overstepping his powers.
1825 -- Cuba. In March cooperating American and British forces landed at
Sagua La Grande to capture pirates.
1827 -- Greece. In October and November landing parties hunted pirates on
the islands of Argenteire, Miconi, and Androse.
1831-32 -- Falkland Islands. Captain Duncan of the USS Lexington
investigated the capture of three American sealing vessels and sought to
protect American interests.
1832 -- Sumatra - February 6 to 9. A naval force landed and stormed a fort
to punish natives of the town of Quallah Battoo for plundering the American
ship Friendship.
1833 -- Argentina - October 31 to November 15. A force was sent ashore at
Buenos Aires to protect the interests of the United States and other
countries during an insurrection.
1835-36 -- Peru - December 10, 1835, to January 24, 1836, and August 31 to
December 7, 1836. Marines protected American interests in Callao and Lima
during an attempted revolution.
1836 -- Mexico. General Gaines occupied Nacogdoches (Tex.), disputed
territory, from July to December during the Texan war for independence,
under orders to cross the "imaginary boundary line" if an Indian outbreak
threatened.
1838-39 -- Sumatra - December 24, 1838, to January 4, 1839. A naval force
landed to punish natives of the towns of Quallah Battoo and Muckie (Mukki)
for depredations on American shipping.
1840 -- Fiji Islands - July. Naval forces landed to punish natives for
attacking American exploring and surveying parties.
1841 -- Drummond Island, Kingsmill Group. A naval party landed to avenge the
murder of a seaman by the natives.
1841 -- Samoa - February 24. A naval party landed and burned towns after the
murder of an American seaman on Upolu Island.
1842 -- Mexico. Commodore TA.C. Jones, in command of a squadron long
cruising off California, occupied Monterey, Calif., on October 19, believing
war had come. He discovered peace, withdrew, and saluted. A similar incident
occurred a week later at San Diego.
1843 -- China. Sailors and marines from the St. Louis were landed after a
clash between Americans and Chinese at the trading post in Canton.
1843 -- Africa -- November 29 to December 16. Four United States vessels
demonstrated and landed various parties (one of 200 marines and sailors) to
discourage piracy and the slave trade along the Ivory coast, and to punish
attacks by the natives on American seamen and shipping.
1844 -- Mexico. President Tyler deployed U.S. forces to protect Texas
against Mexico, pending Senate approval of a treaty of annexation. (Later
rejected.) He defended his action against a Senate resolution of inquiry.
1846-48 -- Mexican War. On May 13,1846, the United States recognized the
existence of a state of war with Mexico. After the annexation of Texas in
1845, the United States and Mexico failed to resolve a boundary dispute and
President Polk said that it was necessary to deploy forces in Mexico to meet
a threatened invasion.
1849 -- Smyrna. In July a naval force gained release of an American seized
by Austrian officials.
1851 -- Turkey. After a massacre of foreigners (including Americans) at
Jaffa in January, a demonstration by the Mediterranean Squadron was ordered
along the Turkish (Levant) coast.
1851 -- Johanns Island (east of Africa) -- August. Forces from the U.S.
sloop of war Dale exacted redress for the unlawful imprisonment of the
captain of an American whaling brig.
1852-53 -- Argentina -- February 3 to 12, 1852; September 17, 1852 to April
1853. Marines were landed and maintained in Buenos Aires to protect American
interests during a revolution.
1853 -- Nicaragua -- March 11 to 13. U.S. forces landed to protect American
lives and interests during political disturbances.
1853-54 -- Japan. Commodore Perry and his expedition made a display of force
leading to the "opening of Japan" and the Perry Expedition.
1853-54 -- Ryukyu and Bonin Islands. Commodore Perry on three visits before
going to Japan and while waiting for a reply from Japan made a naval
demonstration, landing marines twice, and secured a coaling concession from
the ruler of Naha on Okinawa; he also demonstrated in the Bonin Islands with
the purpose of securing facilities for commerce.
1854 -- China -- April 4 to June 15 to 17. American and English ships landed
forces to protect American interests in and near Shanghai during Chinese
civil strife.
1854 -- Nicaragua -- July 9 to 15. Naval forces bombarded and burned San
Juan del Norte (Greytown) to avenge an insult to the American Minister to
Nicaragua.
1855 -- China -- May 19 to 21. U.S. forces protected American interests in
Shanghai and, from August 3 to 5 fought pirates near Hong Kong.
1855 -- Fiji Islands -- September 12 to November 4. An American naval force
landed to seek reparations for depredations on American residents and seamen.
1855 -- Uruguay -- November 25 to 29. United States and European naval
forces landed to protect American interests during an attempted revolution
in Montevideo.
1856 -- Panama, Republic of New Grenada -- September 19 to 22. U.S. forces
landed to protect American interests during an insurrection.
1856 -- China -- October 22 to December 6. U.S. forces landed to protect
American interests at Canton during hostilities between the British and the
Chinese, and to avenge an assault upon an unarmed boat displaying the United
States flag.
1857 -- Nicaragua -- April to May, November to December. In May Commander
C.H. Davis of the United States Navy, with some marines, received the
surrender of William Walker, who had been attempting to get control of the
country, and protected his men from the retaliation of native allies who had
been fighting Walker. In November and December of the same year United
States vessels Saratoga, Wabash, and Fulton opposed another attempt of
William Walker on Nicaragua. Commodore Hiram Paulding's act of landing
marines and compelling the removal of Walker to the United States, was
tacitly disavowed by Secretary of State Lewis Cass, and Paulding was forced
into retirement.
1858 -- Uruguay -- January 2 to 27. Forces from two United States warships
landed to protect American property during a revolution in Montevideo.
1858 -- Fiji Islands -- October 6 to 16. A marine expedition chastised
natives for the murder of two American citizens at Waya.
1858-59 -- Turkey. The Secretary of State requested a display of naval force
along the Levant after a massacre of Americans at Jaffa and mistreatment
elsewhere "to remind the authorities (of Turkey) of the power of the United
States."
1859 -- Paraguay. Congress authorized a naval squadron to seek redress for
an attack on a naval vessel in the Parana River during 1855. Apologies were
made after a large display of force.
1859 -- Mexico. Two hundred United States soldiers crossed the Rio Grande in
pursuit of the Mexican bandit Cortina.
1859 -- China -- July 31 to August 2. A naval force landed to protect
American interests in Shanghai.
1860 -- Angola, Portuguese West Africa -- March 1. American residents at
Kissembo called upon American and British ships to protect lives and
property during problems with natives.
1860 -- Colombia, Bay of Panama -- September 27 to October 8. Naval forces
landed to protect American interests during a revolution.
1863 -- Japan -- July 16. The USS Wyoming retaliated against a firing on the
American vessel Pembroke at Shimonoseki.
1864 -- Japan -- July 14 to August 3. Naval forces protected the United
States Minister to Japan when he visited Yedo to negotiate concerning some
American claims against Japan, and to make his negotiations easier by
impressing the Japanese with American power.
1864 -- Japan -- September 4 to 14. Naval forces of the United States, Great
Britain, France, and the Netherlands compelled Japan and the Prince of
Nagato in particular to permit the Straits of Shimonoseki to be used by
foreign shipping in accordance with treaties already signed.
1865 -- Panama -- March 9 and 10. U.S. forces protected the lives and
property of American residents during a revolution.
1866 -- Mexico. To protect American residents, General Sedgwick and 100 men
in November obtained surrender of Matamoras. After 3 days he was ordered by
U.S. Government to withdraw. His act was repudiated by the President.
1866 -- China. From June 20 to July 7, U.S. forces punished an assault on
the American consul at Newchwang.
1867 -- Nicaragua. Marines occupied Managua and Leon.
1867 -- Formosa -- June 13. A naval force landed and burned a number of huts
to punish the murder of the crew of a wrecked American vessel.
1868 -- Japan (Osaka, Hiolo, Nagasaki, Yokohama, and Negata) -- February 4
to 8, April 4 to May 12, June 12 and 13. U.S. forces were landed to protect
American interests during the civil war in Japan over the abolition of the
Shogunate and the restoration of the Mikado.
1868 -- Uruguay -- February 7 and 8, 19 to 26. U.S. forces protected foreign
residents and the customhouse during an insurrection at Montevideo.
1868 -- Colombia -- April. U.S. forces protected passengers and treasure in
transit at Aspinwall during the absence of local police or troops on the
occasion of the death of the President of Colombia.
1870 -- Mexico -- June 17 and 18. U.S. forces destroyed the pirate ship
Forward, which had been run aground about 40 miles up the Rio Tecapan.
1870 -- Hawaiian Islands -- September 21. U.S. forces placed the American
flag at half mast upon the death of Queen Kalama, when the American consul
at Honolulu would not assume responsibility for so doing.
1871 -- Korea -- June 10 to 12. A U.S. naval force attacked and captured
five forts to punish natives for depredations on Americans, particularly for
murdering the crew of the General Sherman and burning the schooner, and for
later firing on other American small boats taking soundings up the Salee River.
1873 -- Colombia (Bay of Panama) -- May 7 to 22, September 23 to October 9.
U.S. forces protected American interests during hostilities over possession
of the government of the State of Panama.
1873 -- Mexico. United States troops crossed the Mexican border repeatedly
in pursuit of cattle and other thieves. There were some reciprocal pursuits
by Mexican troops into border territory. Mexico protested frequently.
Notable cases were at Remolina in May 1873 and at Las Cuevas in 1875.
Washington orders often supported these excursions. Agreements between
Mexico and the United States, the first in 1882, finally legitimized such
raids. They continued intermittently, with minor disputes, until 1896.
1874 -- Hawaiian Islands -- February 12 to 20. Detachments from American
vessels were landed to preserve order and protect American lives and
interests during the coronation of a new king.
1876 -- Mexico -- May 18. An American force was landed to police the town of
Matamoras temporarily while it was without other government.
1882 -- Egypt -- July 14 to 18. American forces landed to protect American
interests during warfare between British and Egyptians and looting of the
city of Alexandria by Arabs.
1885 -- Panama (Colon) -- January 18 and 19. U.S. forces were used to guard
the valuables in transit over the Panama Railroad, and the safes and vaults
of the company during revolutionary activity. In March, April, and May in
the cities of Colon and Panama, the forces helped reestablish freedom of
transit during revolutionary activity.
1888 -- Korea -- June. A naval force was sent ashore to protect American
residents in Seoul during unsettled political conditions, when an outbreak
of the populace was expected.
1888 -- Haiti -- December 20. A display of force persuaded the Haitian
Government to give up an American steamer which had been seized on the
charge of breach of blockade.
1888--89 -- Samoa -- November 14, 1888, to March 20, 1889. U.S. forces were
landed to protect American citizens and the consulate during a native civil
war.
1889 -- Hawaiian Islands -- July 30 and 31. U.S. forces protected American
interests at Honolulu during a revolution.
1890 -- Argentina. A naval party landed to protect U.S. consulate and
legation in Buenos Aires.
1891 -- Haiti. U.S. forces sought to protect American lives and property on
Navassa Island.
1891 -- Bering Strait -- July 2 to October 5. Naval forces sought to stop
seal poaching.
1891 -- Chile -- August 28 to 30. U.S. forces protected the American
consulate and the women and children who had taken refuge in it during a
revolution in Valparaiso.
1893 -- Hawaii -- January 16 to April 1. Marines were landed ostensibly to
protect American lives and property, but many believed actually to promote a
provisional government under Sanford B. Dole. This action was disavowed by
the United States.
1894 -- Brazil -- January. A display of naval force sought to protect
American commerce and shipping at Rio de Janeiro during a Brazilian civil war.
1894 -- Nicaragua -- July 6 to August 7. U.S. forces sought to protect
American interests at Bluefields following a revolution.
1894-95 -- China. Marines were stationed at Tientsin and penetrated to
Peking for protection purposes during the Sino--Japanese War.
1894-95 -- China. A naval vessel was beached and used as a fort at Newchwang
for protection of American nationals.
1894-96 -- Korea -- July 24, 1894 to April 3, 1896. A guard of marines was
sent to protect the American legation and American lives and interests at
Seoul during and following the Sino-- Japanese War.
1895 -- Colombia -- March 8 to 9. U.S. forces protected American interests
during an attack on the town of Bocas del Toro by a bandit chieftain.
1896 -- Nicaragua -- May 2 to 4. U.S. forces protected American interests in
Corinto during political unrest.
1898 -- Nicaragua -- February 7 and 8. U.S. forces protected American lives
and property at San Juan del Sur.
1898 -- The Spanish--American War. On April 25, 1898, the United States
declared war with Spain. The war followed a Cuban insurrection against
Spanish rule and the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in the harbor at Havana.
1898--99 -- China -- November 5, 1898 to March 15, 1899. U.S. forces
provided a guard for the legation at Peking and the consulate at Tientsin
during contest between the Dowager Empress and her son.
1899 -- Nicaragua. American and British naval forces were landed to protect
national interests at San Juan del Norte, February 22 to March 5, and at
Bluefields a few weeks later in connection with the insurrection of Gen.
Juan P. Reyes.
1899 -- Samoa -- February-May 15. American and British naval forces were
landed to protect national interests and to take part in a bloody contention
over the succession to the throne.
1899--1901 -- Philippine Islands. U.S. forces protected American interests
following the war with Spain and conquered the islands by defeating the
Filipinos in their war for independence.
1900 -- China -- May 24 to September 28. American troops participated in
operations to protect foreign lives during the Boxer rising, particularly at
Peking. For many years after this experience a permanent legation guard was
maintained in Peking, and was strengthened at times as trouble threatened.
1901 -- Colombia (State of Panama) -- November 20 to December 4. U.S. forces
protected American property on the Isthmus and kept transit lines open
during serious revolutionary disturbances.
1902 -- Colombia -- April 16 to 23. U.S. forces protected American lives and
property at Bocas del Toro during a civil war.
1902 -- Colombia (State of Panama) -- September 17 to November 18. The
United States placed armed guards on all trains crossing the Isthmus to keep
the railroad line open, and stationed ships on both sides of Panama to
prevent the landing of Colombian troops.
1903 -- Honduras -- March 23 to 30 or 31. U.S. forces protected the American
consulate and the steamship wharf at Puerto Cortez during a period of
revolutionary activity.
1903 -- Dominican Republic -- March 30 to April 21. A detachment of marines
was landed to protect American interests in the city of Santo Domingo during
a revolutionary outbreak.
1903 -- Syria -- September 7 to 12. U.S. forces protected the American
consulate in Beirut when a local Moslem uprising was feared.
1903-04 -- Abyssinia. Twenty-five marines were sent to Abyssinia to protect
the U.S. Consul General while he negotiated a treaty.
1903-14 -- Panama. U.S. forces sought to protect American interests and
lives during and following the revolution for independence from Colombia
over construction of the Isthmian Canal. With brief intermissions, United
States Marines were stationed on the Isthmus from November 4, 1903, to
January 21 1914 to guard American interests.
1904 -- Dominican Republic -- January 2 to February 11. American and British
naval forces established an area in which no fighting would be allowed and
protected American interests in Puerto Plata and Sosua and Santo Domingo
City during revolutionary fighting.
1904 -- Tangier, Morocco. "We want either Perdicaris alive or Raisula dead."
A squadron demonstrated to force release of a kidnapped American. Marine
guard was landed to protect the consul general.
1904 -- Panama -- November 17 to 24. U.S. forces protected American lives
and property at Ancon at the time of a threatened insurrection.
1904-05 -- Korea -- January 5, 1904, to November 11, 1905. A Marine guard
was sent to protect the American legation in Seoul during the Russo-Japanese
War.
1906-09 -- Cuba -- September 1906 to January 23, 1909. U.S. forces sought to
restore order, protect foreigners, and establish a stable government after
serious revolutionary activity.
1907 -- Honduras -- March 18 to June 8. To protect American interests during
a war between Honduras and Nicaragua, troops were stationed in Trujillo,
Ceiba, Puerto Cortez, San Pedro Laguna and Choloma.
1910 -- Nicaragua -- May 19 to September 4. U.S. forces protected American
interests at Bluefields.
1911 -- Honduras -- January 26. American naval detachments were landed to
protect American lives and interests during a civil war in Honduras.
1911 -- China. As the nationalist revolution approached, in October an
ensign and 10 men tried to enter Wuchang to rescue missionaries but retired
on being warned away and a small landing force guarded American private
property and consulate at Hankow. A marine guard was established in November
over the cable stations at Shanghai; landing forces were sent for protection
in Nanking, Chinkiang, Taku and elsewhere.
1912 -- Honduras. A small force landed to prevent seizure by the government
of an American-owned railroad at Puerto Cortez. The forces were withdrawn
after the United States disapproved the action.
1912 -- Panama. Troops, on request of both political parties, supervised
elections outside the Canal Zone.
1912 -- Cuba -- June 5 to August 5. U.S. forces protected American interests
on the Province of Oriente, and in Havana.
1912 -- China -- August 24 to 26, on Kentucky Island, and August 26 to 30 at
Camp Nicholson. U.S. forces protect Americans and American interests during
revolutionary activity.
1912 -- Turkey -- November 18 to December 3. U.S. forces guarded the
American legation at Constantinople during a Balkan War.
1912-25 -- Nicaragua -- August to November 1912. U.S. forces protected
American interests during an attempted revolution. A small force, serving as
a legation guard and seeking to promote peace and stability, remained until
August 5, 1925.
1912-41 -- China. The disorders which began with the Kuomintang rebellion in
1912, which were redirected by the invasion of China by Japan and finally
ended by war between Japan and the United States in 1941, led to
demonstrations and landing parties for the protection of U.S. interests in
China continuously and at many points from 1912 on to 1941. The guard at
Peking and along the route to the sea was maintained until 1941. In 1927,
the United States had 5,670 troops ashore in China and 44 naval vessels in
its waters. In 1933 the United States had 3,027 armed men ashore. The
protective action was generally based on treaties with China concluded from
1858 to 1901.
1913 -- Mexico -- September 5 to 7. A few marines landed at Ciaris Estero to
aid in evacuating American citizens and others from the Yaqui Valley, made
dangerous for foreigners by civil strife.
1914 -- Haiti -- January 29 to February 9, February 20 to 21, October 19.
Intermittently U.S. naval forces protected American nationals in a time of
rioting and revolution.
1914 -- Dominican Republic -- June and July. During a revolutionary
movement, United States naval forces by gunfire stopped the bombardment of
Puerto Plata, and by threat of force maintained Santo Domingo City as a
neutral zone.
1914-17 -- Mexico. Undeclared Mexican--American hostilities followed the
Dolphin affair and Villa's raids and included capture of Vera Cruz and later
Pershing's expedition into northern Mexico.
1915-34 -- Haiti -- July 28, 1915, to August 15, 1934. U.S. forces
maintained order during a period of chronic and threatened insurrection.
1916 -- China. American forces landed to quell a riot taking place on
American property in Nanking.
1916-24 -- Dominican Republic -- May 1916 to September 1924. American naval
forces maintained order during a period of chronic and threatened insurrection.
1917 -- China. American troops were landed at Chungking to protect American
lives during a political crisis.
1917-18 -- World War I. On April 6, 1917, the United States declared war
with Germany and on December 7,1917, with Austria-Hungary. Entrance of the
United States into the war was precipitated by Germany's submarine warfare
against neutral shipping.
1917-22 -- Cuba. U.S. forces protected American interests during
insurrection and subsequent unsettled conditions. Most of the Uni States
armed forces left Cuba by August 1919, but two companies remained at
Camaguey until February 1922.
1918-19 -- Mexico. After withdrawal of the Pershing expedition, U.S. troops
entered Mexico in pursuit of bandits at least three times in 1918 and s
times in 1919. In August 1918 American and Mexican troops fought at Nogales.
1918-20 -- Panama. U.S. forces were used for police duty according to treaty
stipulations, at Chiriqui, during election disturbances and subsequent unrest.
1918-20 Soviet Russia. Marines were landed at and near Vladivostok in June
and July to protect the American consulate and other points in the fighting
between the Bolshevik troops and the Czech Army which had traversed Siberia
from the western front. A joint proclamation of emergency government and
neutrality was issued by the American, Japanese, British, French, and Czech
commanders in July. In August 7,000 men were landed in Vladivostok and
remained until January 1920, as part of an allied occupation force. In
September 1918, 5,000 American troops joined the allied intervention force
at Archangel and remained until June 1919. These operations were in response
to the Bolshevik revolution in Russia and were partly supported by Czarist
or Kerensky elements.
1919 -- Dalmatia. U.S. forces were landed at Trau at the request of Italian
authorities to police order between the Italians and Serbs.
1919 -- Turkey. Marines from the USS Arizona were landed to guard the U.S.
Consulate during the Greek occupation of Constantinople.
1919 -- Honduras -- September 8 to 12. A landing force was sent ashore to
maintain order in a neutral zone during an attempted revolution.
1920 -- China -- March 14. A landing force was sent ashore for a few hours
to protect lives during a disturbance at Kiukiang.
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(forts.)