America's role in the greatest wars in the 20th century |
The Gulf War and conclusion
The Gulf War
Operation Desert Storm set off the Gulf War on January 17, 1991. The operation was as a result of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's invasion of neighboring Kuwait. The invasion was condemned by most Arab nations, and a coalition of forces joined together to attack Iraq. The style of combat was geared toward more of an air effort to defeat Iraqi forces, and to limit the number of ground forces needed to fight in the field. The air forces defeated most of the Iraqi forces, but ground troops were needed to liberate Kuwait. The fight was swift and a ceasefire was was accepted on February 28, 1991. Though the war was successful, Saddam Hussein remained in power and still governed with an iron fist in Iraq after the war. In all, around 10,000 Iraqi forces perished and about 300 coalition forces were killed. Gulf war syndrome has affected returning veterans of the war, and some causes are chemical weapons, depleted uranium, and vaccinations incurred before or during the war. Hanson (1995) was interviewed by Frontlines, and has lingering effects from the Gulf War that can only be attributed to Gulf War Syndrome. Hanson's (1995) theory is that the variance of the exposure to environmental hazards during the Gulf War determines the severity of the effects. The United States denies most claims of Gulf War syndrome to this day.
America's involvement in the major wars of the 20th century usually had more to do with help needed from abroad than actual aggressive invasions. World War I and World War II led to U.S. intervention after aggression from Germany and Japan, while the Cold War involved a more psychological approach to war if one excludes the proxy wars in Korea and Vietnam. The Gulf War was as a result of an Iraqi invasion that created an uproar in the Persian Gulf, and the United States led the charge to force Hussein's forces from Kuwait. In most history books, articles, or scholastic journals the focus tends to be on military tactics, victories, and military strategies. The victims of war deserve a voice and a place in history. Millions of people have died from conflict not only in the 20th century, but for centuries across the globe. This Web site serves to provide a historical account of the greatest wars of the 20th century, but also acts a reminder that many people perished during the conflicts. It is time they are remembered.