What is the U.S first fatal defeat in history?

Answer 1

It depends what you mean by fatal. Technically we lost the battle of Lexington, but that only emboldened the Minute Men at Concord, so no negative repercussions there. Losing New York City caused some problems for colonies in 1776, but since we still ultimately won the Revolutionary War, it wasn't that bad. Same goes for notable defeats in subsequent wars up until Vietnam. Even there, although we lost the war, it's not like the USA collapsed immediately afterward (unlike the USSR after leaving Afghanistan).
So overall, there have been plenty of major defeats in American military history, I don't think we've had any "fatal" defeats yet.

Answer 2

Technically the US has never had a fatal defeat (Yet). However there have been a few wars that are speculative as to whether or not the US won.

War of 1812: If telecommunications would have existed in the 19th century the United States would have lost. However because communications were so slow, Andrew Jackson struck a momentum changing blow to the British Forces after the US had admited defeat at the hands of the British. Because of Jackson's victory, the US recinded the decision to surrender and went on to win.

Korean War: After pushing the North Korean forces back to within a stones throw of China. The Chinese made the suggestion that McArthur stop the US advance or else... In typical McArthur fashion he did not heed the warning and the Chinese swarmed over the border in droves upon droves. Unable to compete against the technologically superior US Forces, the Chinese sent their troops on foor through the mountains and played havoc on the US supply lines. Their Guerilla tactics and willingness to accept a high body count eventually pushed the US back to the 38th Parallel.

Vietnam: The Troops themselves would have won this one. In fact the NVA were almost on the retreat. But this was a war that was not waged in Saigon but in Washington DC. Anytime the civilian government tries to regulate the military bad things happen to the military. The troops won it, although it wasn't pretty, and the politicians lost it.

War on Terror: Other then the Revolution and arguably WWII no war has had so many implications upon the fabric of civilization. That is what is at stake here. Civilization. Will the US be willinging to do what is nessacary to defeat radical islam or will the United States crumble under its looming cloud. One side says we must take the moral high road while the other will stop at nothing to meet its agenda. Should the US fail to defeat this underrated colosuss then the end of Western Civilization maybe the penalty. Should the US win, then an entire religion my be stamped out. But as of right now, we are losing.

Answer 3

Vietnam