6 Times the U.S. ‘Saved’ the World by Destroying It
With Donald Trump’s recent adventures in Venezuela, there has been growing concern among people, especially Americans, about what the United States’ next steps would be. People fear that Trump, with his recent shenanigans, is laying the groundwork for conflicts with foreign nations that could even culminate in a third world war.
While this idea has only existed in a vacuum in the last couple of months, Trump’s abduction of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his expressed wish to exploit the country’s oil reserves and ideally “run” the country until a smooth transition of powers can take place make the possibility seem less like a general idea and more like reality. For people who still have their doubts about the United States possibly attacking or exploiting other nations, here are 3 instances where it did things with other nations that it possibly shouldn’t have:
6. Iraq War (2003-2011)
The United States, led by George W. Bush, launched an invasion of Iraq in 2003, asserting that President Saddam Hussein had access to Weapons of Mass Destruction and ties to terrorism.
Once Hussein was removed from power, the US maintained a significant military presence in Iraq. However, the situation soon escalated as different groups started to fight each other, creating both a need and a rationale for more US troops to be sent in. Eventually, the US forces departed from Iraq in 2011.
5. US intervention in Latin America (19th century onwards)
The United States has a long-standing reputation for intervening in Latin American affairs. This began in the late 19th century and continues to this day. A significant event occurred in 1954 when soldiers trained and funded by Washington ousted the President of Guatemala, Colonel Jacobo Arbenz Guzman, after a land reform that conflicted with the interests of United Fruit Corporation, a major American company. Then again, in 1989, during George HW Bush’s presidency, the USA invaded Panama with the primary goal of removing and capturing its leader, General Manuel Noriega, to prosecute him for crimes such as racketeering and drug trafficking. Since then, the United States has consistently sought to engage in Latin America, with the most recent example being its involvement in Venezuela, where it abducted the nation’s president, Nicolás Maduro.
4. Philippine – American War (1899–1902)
One of the earliest recorded cases of America torturing foreign nationals can be traced back to the late 1800s, during its war with the Philippines. After defeating Spain, America took control of the Philippines, which led to a strong resistance against US occupation. This situation quickly escalated, resulting in US forces committing horrific acts against the Filipino people and engaging in war crimes. Thousands were killed through various forms of torture, including the notorious “water cure” (where prisoners were forced to drink large amounts of water in a short duration, resulting in discomfort, vomiting, and even deaths), as well as through burnings and mass executions. Some were even placed in concentration camps, where many died from starvation, disease, and overcrowding.
3. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II (1945)
Well, this is a moment in history that everyone remembers, along with what America did during that time. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan are among the most tragic bombings in history, with effects that people still deal with today. Like the Philippine–American War, the bombings executed by America during World War II also led to thousands of casualties on Japan’s side. Additionally, those who were not directly affected by the bombings experienced long-term consequences, including physical and psychological distress that lasted for generations.
2. Vietnam War (1955–1975)
This conflict took place in phases. At first, casualties were minimal, but they later surged to alarming levels, resulting in thousands of deaths. The United States employed various tactics against the Vietnamese, including free firing, searches, assaults, and bombings. They also engaged in chemical warfare, which involved spraying herbicides that devastated crops and forests, and they used torture methods such as electric shocks and beatings. Like the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, America’s actions during the Vietnam War also had long-term physical and psychological impacts on the people of Vietnam.
1. Special mention: The Gaza genocide (2023- onwards)
Although the United States is not directly involved in the genocide occurring in Gaza at this time, it has consistently demonstrated its backing for Israel’s actions by supplying advanced weapons and ammunition, along with various types of military assistance. Additionally, it has voiced its support for Israel numerous times, even while being aware of the impact on the people of Gaza.
These are just a few of the terrible acts carried out by the United States against other nations in the last couple of centuries. Besides these, there are numerous cases where America has been involved in wars with other countries, either directly or indirectly. You don’t even need to read a history book for this; a simple Google search will provide a list of all the instances where the US has taken an attack-first approach, a position it holds because it is a first-world nation with significant military power and weaponry.
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