A big part of the western USA was acquired from Mexico via the Mexican-American war.
The Spanish-American war gained Puerto Rico and Guam as US territories.
Appeasement helped Britain build up their armed forces.
Kaiser Wilhelm II increased the size of the armed forces primarily to assert Germany's status as a major global power and to compete with other nations, particularly Britain and France, in an arms race. This expansion was driven by a desire for military readiness and national pride, as well as the belief that a stronger military would secure Germany's interests and influence on the world stage. Additionally, the militarization was influenced by the growing tensions in Europe, leading to a more aggressive foreign policy.
Opinions on presidents using armed forces without a formal declaration of war vary widely. Some people argue that it undermines the Constitution and congressional authority, fearing it could lead to unchecked military engagement. Others believe that quick action is necessary in certain situations to protect national interests and respond to threats. Overall, the debate often centers on the balance between expediency in foreign policy and adherence to democratic principles.
Armed forces (army, navy, air force, national guard) provide for the common defense (as the Preamble to the Constitution says). They protect the country from foreign invasion, or from attacks on its trade, and domestically provide a means of suppressing rebellion, insurrection, or civil disobedience.
The term used to describe a policy of glorifying the armed forces and maintaining a military preparedness for war is "militarism." This approach emphasizes the importance of military strength and often prioritizes military solutions over diplomatic ones in addressing national issues. Militarism can influence a nation's culture, politics, and economy, leading to increased defense spending and a focus on military readiness.
Armed conflict
Economic and political interventionism when required, blackmail if needed. Armed invasion is a last resort, but it is not off the table.
The "Truman Doctrine" stated that "it must be the policy of the United States to support free people who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures." This could be interpreted as stating that US foreign policy should support worldwide democracy.
Swedish neutrality refers to Sweden's policy of neutrality in armed conflicts, which has been in effect since the early 19th century. The policy originated largely as a result of Sweden's involvement in the Napoleonic Wars during which over a third of the country's territory was lost
R. D. McLaurin has written: 'Middle East foreign policy' -- subject(s): Addresses, essays, lectures, Foreign relations 'The political impact of U.S. military force in the Middle East' -- subject(s): Arab Foreign public opinion, Arabic newspapers, Armed Forces, Foreign relations, Public opinion 'The United States and the defense of the Pacific' -- subject(s): Defenses, Military policy 'Military Propaganda'
Often as the result of armed conflict.
An armed conflict is a term used in international law for a "contested incompatibility" which concerns government, territory, or both, where the use of armed force is present.
The National Security Council is responsible for national security and foreign policy. The Secretary of Defense is second only to the president and exercises command and control over the United States' military.
Rose E. Gottemoeller has written: 'Conflict and consensus in the Soviet armed forces' -- subject(s): Armed Forces, Civil-military relations, Military policy, Weapons systems 'Transforming clients into surrogates' -- subject(s): Foreign relations 'Soviet reactions to the National Aerospace Plane (NASP)' -- subject(s): Military policy, Military relations, Strategic Defense Initiative
Robert Mark Rosh has written: 'The causes and consequences of Third World military burdens' -- subject(s): Economic policy, Foreign economic relations, Appropriations and expenditures, Armed Forces
Harold J. Clem has written: 'United States international economic policy' -- subject(s): Commerce, Commercial policy, Foreign economic relations, International economic relations 'Maintenance management in the Department of Defense' -- subject(s): Armed Forces, Equipment, Management
Expand it's Armed Forces.