The military history of the United States is much maligned in the minds of far too many Americans these days and unfortunately so is much of history in general. The object of this work is to focus on the military history of our nation from its earliest beginnings to the end of the American Civil War. Military history of the United States does not mean only organized armies. From the time of Spanish exploration of North America there have been conflicts that required a response that was military in some sense. The first conflicts in North America involved the Native American Indians against small groups or individuals, not armies, but that would change as this nation grew in population. Countries like France and Great Britain would send their military troops to these shores for territorial gains changing the scope to full military involvement. The stage was set for the beginning of the United States Military! Profusely illustrated. A Merriam Press Military History.