United States
On February 24, 1805, U.S. forces and allied troops captured Derna, Libya, marking the first American military victory on foreign soil. The campaign, led by William Eaton, aimed to free hostages from Tripoli and secure maritime trade routes. The success inspired the line “to the shores of Tripoli” in the Marine Corps hymn. The Barbary War established the U.S. Navy as a global presence.
