The United States of America has dramatically impacted many countries, sometimes causing damage or destruction. From wars to political interventions, these events have shaped the lives of millions.
When discussing countries destroyed by America, it is essential to approach the topic with sensitivity and nuance. In this comprehensive list, we will do exactly that.
Here are some countries where the U.S. has had a notable military or political presence, leading to major destruction.
Iraq
The U.S. led an invasion of Iraq in 2003, which resulted in the overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s regime. According to a report by Brown University’s Costs of War project, approximately 280,771 people died in 2003 due to the extreme violence of war caused by the U.S.
Moreover, the war had a significant economic impact, with estimates suggesting that it cost the U.S. over $2 trillion. The conflict also caused extensive damage to Iraq’s infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and roads, hindering the country’s ability to recover.
Vietnam
The Vietnam War, where America fought against North Vietnam, resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life. An estimate of the Vietnam War casualties suggests that over two million people, including civilians and soldiers, lost their lives during the conflict. The war also caused extensive damage to Vietnam’s infrastructure, with many homes, schools, and hospitals destroyed.
Chemicals like Agent Orange, used by the U.S during the war, continue to cause health issues for many Vietnamese people. The war ended in 1975, but its impact on Vietnam and its people is still felt today.
Afghanistan
After the 9/11 attacks, the US invaded Afghanistan to fight the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. The Afghan war, since 2001, has caused significant destruction and loss of life in the region. The war has also displaced millions of Afghans from their homes.
Despite billions of dollars spent on reconstruction, Afghanistan remains one of the poorest countries, with widespread poverty and ongoing security challenges. As of March 2023, official data from Brown University indicates that more than 70,000 Afghan civilians have died due to this ongoing war.
Chile
In 1973, the USA supported a coup in Chile that led to the overthrow of President Salvador Allende and the installation of a military dictatorship under General Augusto Pinochet. The coup resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life.
According to the Commission of Truth and Reconciliation, established in Chile, over 3,000 people were killed or disappeared during Pinochet’s regime. USA’s role in the coup has been a source of significant controversy.
Iran
The USA’s involvement in Iran includes the 1953 coup which overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh and reinstalled the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. This event had a significant impact on Iran’s history and development. The Central Intelligence Agency of America (CIA) publicly admitted that they led a secret operation in Iran to overthrow Mossadegh’s government. This incident led to a huge political and religious turmoil in Iran.
Syria
The United States has been involved in the Syrian Civil War since 2014, primarily through its support for various rebel groups fighting against the government of Bashar al-Assad. The US-led coalition has conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria and has provided training and support to rebel groups. The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction, loss of lives, and millions displaced.
Nicaragua
The USA’s involvement in Nicaragua in the 1980s had a significant impact on the country. American President Ronald Reagan funded the Contras, a rebel group, against the Sandinista government.
This support led to a civil war that resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life. It also severely affected the country’s overall economy. The entire region was fully destabilized for a long time.
Libya
Following the Arab Spring protests in 2011, the USA, along with NATO allies, intervened in Libya to support rebels fighting against the government of Muammar Gaddafi. The intervention led to Gaddafi’s overthrow and eventual death. However, the aftermath of the intervention has been marked by ongoing conflict and instability. Since 2012, there have been multiple airstrikes and proxy warfare in Libya caused by the USA.
Panama
In 1989, the United States launched a military operation known as “Operation Just Cause”. It overthrew the Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega’s. The operation resulted in significant destruction in Panama City, particularly in the El Chorrillo neighborhood.
Total number of civilans killed during this US invasion is still unknown. The invasion also caused extensive damage to Panama’s infrastructure and economy.
Somalia
In the early 1990s, the United States led a military intervention in Somalia. The intervention, known as Operation Restore Hope, was formed to provide Somalia much-needed assistance in a civil war but later became mired in conflict. It led to a more chaotic war and famine across the country. The infamous Battle of Mogadishu in 1993, resulted in the deaths 300 hundreds of Somali civilians and 18 American soldiers
Yugoslavia
Beginning in the year of 1999, the USA led a major intervention in Yugoslavia. The US played a significant role in the breakup of Yugoslavia through its support for independence movements in various republics. This support, along with NATO military intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina and later in Kosovo, contributed to the destruction and fragmentation of the country. The wars that followed resulted in widespread destruction, loss of life, and displacement of populations.
Haiti
The United States has had a long history of involvement in Haiti, including military interventions and political interference. One of the most notable interventions was in 1994 when the USA intervened to restore Jean-Bertrand Aristide to the presidency after he was ousted in a military coup. It led to a lot of destruction and significant losses of life across the country.
Grenada
Operation Urgent Fury was initiated by the US forces to invade Grenada on October 25, 1983. At least 45 Grenadian soldiers and 24 civilians were killed during the invasion. While the operation was relatively short-lived, it caused significant destruction and loss of life. The intervention remains a controversial event in Grenada’s history.