The character of such a government ought to secure, first, against foreign invasion; secondly, against dissensions between members of the Union, or seditions in particular States; thirdly, to procure to the several States various blessings of which an isolated situation was incapable; fourthly, it should be able to defend itself against encroachment; and fifthly, to be paramount to the State Constitutions. - Day by Day Summary: Tuesday May 29.
Dear ChatGPT: How many times has the United States been invaded?
The United States has been invaded only a few times in its history, especially compared to many other nations. Here are the notable instances:
- War of 1812: The British Empire invaded the U.S. during the War of 1812. British forces burned Washington, D.C., including the White House and the Capitol, but they were repelled in other parts of the country, especially at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.
- Mexican-American War (1846-1848): While this war began as a territorial dispute, parts of what is now the U.S. Southwest were invaded by Mexican forces. In response, the U.S. pushed into Mexico and eventually captured Mexico City.
- Confederate Invasions during the Civil War (1861-1865): The Confederacy invaded Northern states several times during the Civil War, most notably during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. However, the Confederacy's efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and they were repelled by Union forces.
- Attack on Pearl Harbor (1941): Though not an invasion of the continental U.S., the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was a military strike on American soil. It led to the U.S. entering World War II.
Aside from these events, there haven't been major invasions of the U.S. mainland. While there have been skirmishes, border disputes, and other conflicts, the U.S. has largely been isolated from large-scale invasions.
- What is the Alien Enemies Act?
- National Archives: Alien and Sedition Acts (1798).
- 50 USC Ch. 3: ALIEN ENEMIES.
- CRS: The Alien Enemy Act: History and Potential Use to Remove Members of International Criminal Cartels.
- What is Tren de Aragua?
- White House Executive Order: Invocation of the Alien Enemies Act Regarding the Invasion of The United States by Tren De Aragua.
- NPR: U.S. deports hundreds of Venezuelans to El Salvador, despite court order.
- NPR: Federal judge blocks Trump's plan to target 'alien enemies' for deportation.