Wars & Battles Throughout History

By Kennedy Hickman, About.com Guide to Military History

Since the dawn of time, battles and wars have had a significant impact on the course of history. From the earliest battles in ancient Mesopotamia to today's war in Iraq, conflicts have had the power to shape and change our world.

1. Military History Timelines
2. Wars Through Time
3. Pivotal Battles

Military History Timelines

Gain a quick overview of military history with these timelines that trace battles and wars through the ages.

• Timeline of the 19th Century
• Timeline of the 20th Century

Wars Through Time

Throughout history, conflicts have been solved by wars. Over the centuries combat has become increasingly more sophisticated, but war's ability to change the world has stayed the same.

• The Mexican-American War - An Overview
• American Civil War 101
• World War II 101
• The Vietnam War - An Overview

Pivotal Battles

While wars have the ability to change the landscape, certain key battles have played a central role in determining the outcome of military conflicts. Here we look at several that have been particularly influential.

• Second Punic War: Battle of Cannae
• Invasions of England: Battle of Hastings
• Hundred Years' War: Battle of Poitiers
• Ottoman-Habsburg Wars: Battle of Lepanto
• Anglo-Spanish War: The Spanish Armada
• American Revolution: Battles of Lexington & Concord

• Napoleonic Wars: Battle of Wagram
• American Civil War: Battles of Gettysburg & Vicksburg
• World War II: Battle of Midway
• Korean War: Landings at Inchon
• Vietnam War: Battle of Dak To