The History of the United States Navy

From its inception, the United States has been a maritime nation. Ever since the first use of sea power during the American Revolution, the growth, the trajectory, and the international standing of the United States has been deeply tied to its maritime role and its naval forces. The United States Navy has played a vital role both in resolving conflicts and in peacekeeping, spanning the entire history of the United States—from subduing piracy in the 18th century to action in the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, two World Wars, and the Vietnam War, as well as more recent international crises, and its longstanding work in ensuring maritime freedom across the globe.