Wars & Conflicts

Explore the timeline of American wars and conflicts including the French and Indian War, the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the American Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Cold War, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War.

Explore the timeline of American wars and conflicts from the American Revolutionary War to current global conflicts.

National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day (April 9)

This day honors those veterans who have served their country while being held captive in enemy territory. The day also honors the family of the prisoners of war and their long and anxious wait to see their family again. Visit the collection.

The War In Virginia | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 1

Audio

In this segment, Dr. Tracy Morgan sets the stage for the 1864 campaign in Virginia, and outlines the operational statuses for both the South’s Army of Northern Virginia (commanded by General Robert E...
Cold Harbor | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 3

Audio

The Battle of Cold Harbor takes place mere days after the Spotsylvania campaign. With The Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor, they cause almost thirty days of continuous combat combined. Dr...
The Turning Point | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 2

Audio

In this section of Gettysburg, Dr. Mark Smith analyzes how Gettysburg was not just the turning point of the war itself, but how things changed politically and diplomatically between the Confederacy...
Gettysburg's Homefront | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 7

Audio

In the final section, Dr. Smith details what it must have been like for civilians living in Gettysburg, experiencing the battle first-hand, and the battle's horrific aftermath.
The Cause | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 1

Audio

In this section, Dr. Mark Smith first details the Conscription Act of 1863. He then analyzes how some historians misconstrue the cause of the entire war, and then discusses how Great Britain almost...
Pickett's Charge | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 6

Audio

Dr. Mark Smith analyzes the most intense, and disastrous portion of the battle: General George Pickett’s charge. The result of this charge was a disastrous one for the South. “General Lee, I have no...
A Cornucopia Of Carrion | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 3

Audio

What must it have been like to be in the battle? In this section, Dr. Mark Smith describes the intense and gruesome details of the battle of Gettysburg. Things like what one would have seen, smelled...