How many times has a foreign military force landed on American soil?

A foreign military force has landed on American soil three times in significant historical events.

The first instance occurred during the War of 1812 when British troops invaded and captured Washington, D.C., burning several important buildings, including the White House. The second instance was during the Mexican-American War when U.S. forces invaded Mexico and Mexican troops crossed into Texas and fought against American settlers. The final occurrence was during World War II when Japanese troops landed on the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, part of the U.S., in an attempt to capture territory.

Each of these events involved direct military involvement on U.S. territory by a foreign government, making the total count three. Understanding this context illustrates the instances where American soil was confronted by military action from foreign forces, highlighting the importance of historical awareness in military and civic education.