American War Plans 1890-1939

By the close of the 19th century the United States was no longer a continental power but had become a nation with interests that spanned the globe from the Caribbean to China. Consequently the country faced a new set of strategic concerns ranging from enforcing the Monroe Doctrine to defending the Philippines.As a result of the United States' new geostrategic environment the armed services had to establish a system for the creation of war plans to defend the country's interests against possible foreign aggression. A Joint Army and Navy Board established in 1903 ordered the creation of war plans to deal with real and potential threats to American security. Each major country was assigned a colour: Germany was Black Great Britain Red Japan Orange Mexico Green and China Yellow. War plans were then devised in case Washington decided to use force against these or other powers.