In which country did the U.S. Marine Corps fight its first battle on foreign soil?

The first battle fought by the U.S. Marine Corps on foreign soil occurred in Nassau, Bahamas. This engagement took place in 1776 during the American Revolutionary War, when the Continental Marine Corps, the precursor to the modern Marine Corps, was sent to seize British-held territory. The action in Nassau represented an early attempt by American forces to project military power beyond their borders, showcasing the Marines' role in amphibious assaults, which would become a fundamental aspect of their operations.

While the other locations listed hold significant military history for the Marine Corps, such as actions in Cuba and Mexico, those were not the first instances of Marines engaging overseas. The battle in the Bahamas is often highlighted as their inaugural initiative into foreign conflicts, marking a historical precedent in military expansion and authority.