During what event was the American flag first raised over foreign soil?

The first raising of the American flag over foreign soil occurred during the capture of Derna in 1805. This significant event took place during the First Barbary War, when U.S. forces, led by William Eaton, took the city of Derna in Libya. This military action was crucial in demonstrating America's naval power and commitment to combating piracy and securing safe passage for American merchant shipping in the Mediterranean.

By capturing this territory, the U.S. established a precedent for American military intervention in foreign countries, marking a symbolic moment in which the American flag was planted outside the nation’s borders for the first time. This event represents a pivotal moment in American history, showcasing the nation’s emerging identity and assertiveness on the global stage.