The remarkable true story behind The History Channel's The American Soldier, explained

The American Soldier is a two-hour documentary produced by The History Channel, airing on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET, just in time for Veterans Day.

The documentary explores the Army’s evolution from bands of citizen militias to a global force with over 950,000 active volunteers. Beginning with colonial armed bands defending early American settlements, the film tracks how militias became a core part of U.S. defenses during the Revolution.

The transition to a professional Army was cemented as the colonies transformed into the United States. Leaders like George Washington and Baron von Steuben trained a skilled Continental Army. Through subsequent wars—the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and the Cold War—the Army adapted, evolving alongside the nation’s shifting role in global politics. The American Soldier documents this entire journey.

Each conflict demanded new tactics and technology, which are highlighted through insights from historians and military experts. The American Soldier also covers crucial battles, from the Mexican-American War to Normandy, showing how the Army has grown into the highly trained, volunteer-driven force we know today.

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The American Soldier chronicles the U.S. Army's journey from colonial militias to modern force

A representative image of Marine Corps Base training (Image via Unsplash)

The American Soldier features how the U.S. Army evolved from an unorganized colonial militia into a sophisticated military force. The story begins with the earliest settlers, who formed informal defense groups to protect against threats from local tribes. Lacking support from European governments, these settlers adapted by forming militias led by military-minded leaders, laying the groundwork for a new approach to defense.

During the Revolutionary War, these militias transformed into the famous “minutemen,” self-trained and self-equipped soldiers ready to fight at a moment’s notice. The Continental Army, formed soon after, struggled with discipline until General George Washington and Prussian officer Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben stepped in.

Von Steuben trained the troops in European battle tactics, helping turn them into a cohesive fighting force. Alongside this, a new focus on specialized soldiers, like Daniel Morgan’s riflemen and snipers, who adapted to guerrilla warfare, set the tone for a versatile U.S. military.

By the War of 1812, the U.S. Army had made significant strides toward becoming a professional, national defense force. Having learned from early setbacks, they expanded training and tactics to match those of their European counterparts, especially as they faced off against the British once again.

The Mexican-American War of 1846 marked the emergence of a new generation of leaders, with West Point becoming an institution for training soldiers in the arts and sciences of warfare. This shift set the standard for future American military strategy.

The Civil War was a turning point not just for the Army but for the country itself. Soldiers on both sides of the Union and Confederacy experienced brutal combat with heavy casualties. However, the war saw innovations such as advanced rifles, ironclad ships, and more complex tactics. This also resulted in an Army that learned through bloody experience, strengthening its leadership and resilience.

A representative image of Army Officials (Image via Unsplash)

In the world wars, the Army continued to evolve. World War I demanded rapid mobilization, which led to the establishment of a more organized recruitment and training system.

By World War II, the U.S. Army had become one of the most powerful military forces in the world, leading pivotal missions like the Normandy invasion and becoming the core of the so-called “Arsenal of Democracy.” During the Cold War, the Army adapted to new kinds of conflicts, from nuclear deterrence to counterinsurgency.

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For those who miss the live premiere of The American Soldier on The History Channel on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET, the documentary will be available to stream on-demand starting the following day.