Italy’s martial legacy stretches from Roman imperial expansion—some of the most extensive military campaigns in ancient history—to medieval city-state wars and the World Wars. It enjoyed incredible success in the previous millennium, it hasn’t experienced the same glories in recent centuries. Explore Italian and Roman military history.
Since its founding, the United States has engaged in numerous military conflicts, from the War of Independence to global engagements in the 20th and 21st centuries. Its military operations have spanned North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. For a comprehensive overview of U.S. military operations, refer to the U.S. Department of State’s milestones page.
Austria and later Austria-Hungary were involved in numerous European wars, including conflicts with the Ottoman Empire, the Napoleonic Wars, and World War I, often as a major continental power. The Austro-Hungarian Army, known as the Imperial and Royal Army, was a significant force during this period. More details can be found in Austria’s military history.
The Persian Empire, followed by modern Iran, engaged in numerous wars against Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Mongols, Ottomans, and more recently, neighboring Iraq. Persian warfare is detailed in Persia’s military history.
Japan’s feudal era saw intense samurai warfare, followed by expansionist campaigns in the late 1800s and the devastating wars of the 20th century. Bushido was one of the nation’s defining ideologies. Meanwhile, the military ruled the country with an iron fist into World War 2. More at Japanese military tradition.
Poland has faced frequent invasions and fought major wars against neighbors such as Russia, Germany, and Sweden. It played vital roles in both World Wars and earlier conflicts. Poland remains one of Europe’s key military powers and a buffer between the West and Russia. See Polish military history.
India’s extensive history includes ancient dynastic wars, conflicts with neighboring empires, and colonial-era confrontations, notably with the British. It remains a key military force today. Find out more in Indian war history.
During its era as a great power, Sweden fought in many continental wars, including the Thirty Years’ War and repeated conflicts with Russia and Denmark. There was a period when the Swedish Empire was one of the most impressive forces in Europe. More on Swedish military history.
The histories of these nations, marked by frequent warfare, have profoundly influenced global politics, borders, and cultures. Conflicts have led to significant economic disruptions, with studies indicating that wars can cause substantial declines in regional per capita GDP, as observed in the former Yugoslavia. (arxiv.org) Additionally, warfare has often resulted in environmental degradation, including soil contamination and deforestation, which have long-term impacts on ecosystems and human health. (un.org) Understanding this legacy underscores the persistent importance of military power in international relations and the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent future conflicts.
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