Explore common misconceptions about American wars in this 31-minute video lecture presented by Mark Stoler. Examine the validity of popular beliefs such as America's tradition of citizen-soldiers, engaging in wars solely for defensive reasons, and the notion of "winning the war but losing the peace." Delve into the history and outcomes of significant American conflicts, including the War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Iraq War. Analyze the concepts of defensive wars versus wars of choice, the role of faulty evidence in war decisions, and the relationship between battlefield success and overall war outcomes. Challenge your understanding of American military history and gain insights into the complex realities of warfare.