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Martial Consequences Of The American Civil War

Posted: 2/19/2014 Updated: 2/18/2015

Prologue

I usually do not like to entertain speculation about the course history would have taken, but I will make an exception here.

The American Civil War fought under president Abraham Lincoln were a watershed event in U.S. history in many respects.

Brush With Imperialism

In the late 19th century one could argue that the U.S. engaged in expansionism or imperialism (I do not like latter, ideological, loaded term very much) when it was involved in the Spanish American War of 1898 (Cuba, Theodore Roosevelt); Philippine-American War (1899–1902).

At a speech in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick, you will go far", which was a cornerstone of diplomacy during his presidency (source).

The Rebuilding of the Navy 1882-1898.

The push for the Panama Canal in 1903-04. The story behind the Panama Canal is worth a separate blog post.

The Great White Fleet event of 1907.

Entering World War I

I would argue it was not necessary for the U.S. to enter into World War I as they did. It would probably have sufficed to remain on the side lines and to provide weapons and money to allies. This was a war between roughly equal European powers.

What Is The Point?

In short: The unnecessary American Civil War was a consequential turning point in many respects.

Had the U.S. not previously engaged in a all out devastating Civil War where perhaps as many as 1 million people died, the U.S. would not have been battle hardened and less sensitive to death anymore  to engage like other European powers in all kinds of wars for no good reason.

Previous, Related Blog Posts

Here with references to other, previous blogs.