Timeline of the United States diplomatic history

The diplomatic history of the United States oscillated among three positions: isolation from diplomatic entanglements of other (typically European) nations (but with economic connections to the world); alliances with European and other military partners; and unilateralism, or operating on its own sovereign policy decisions.

The US always was large in terms of area, but its population was small, only 4 million in 1790.

However, the nation's military strength was quite limited in peacetime before 1940.

The Almanac of American History (1983) have specifics for many incidents.

President Jefferson does not ask Congress for a declaration of war against Tripoli, but instead decides to begin military operations against Tripoli, arguing that the president has the right to begin military operations in self-defense without asking for permission from Congress.