Strategy & Tactics #322: Banana Wars – U.S. Intervention in the Caribbean 1898–1935 is a two-player historical simulation exploring the political and military interventions of the United States across the Caribbean and Central America during the early 20th century. This period, marked by economic exploitation, political manipulation, and armed intervention, gave rise to the term “Banana Republic.”

• Historical Background: Between 1898 and 1935, the United States conducted more than 50 military operations throughout the region, including occupations of Haiti (19 years) and Nicaragua (21 years), as well as seven separate invasions of Honduras. These actions were driven by a mix of strategic ambition, corporate influence—particularly from fruit companies—and the Monroe Doctrine’s shadow over the Western Hemisphere. Banana Wars immerses players in this complex era of empire-building, diplomacy, and resistance.
• Gameplay & Objectives: One player represents the United States, seeking to secure influence, resources, and regional stability through a mix of military interventions, political manipulation, and economic control. The other player takes the role of the Revolutionaries and local factions, striving to resist foreign domination and maintain sovereignty across the Caribbean and Central America. Players use cards to trigger events, deploy forces, and influence key nations, balancing power projection with international backlash.
• Game System & Scale: The design covers nearly four decades of history through a card-driven operational system. The map spans the Caribbean Basin, Central America, and parts of South America, with playable areas representing politically unstable nations and key ports. Military and political decisions are closely tied, as each side must allocate limited resources to secure influence, suppress uprisings, and maintain legitimacy in the eyes of the world. This unique blend of strategy, diplomacy, and historical context captures the reality of “gunboat diplomacy” in America’s near abroad.
• Strategic Depth: Players must balance military might, regional politics, and global perception. The U.S. player can rely on powerful naval and marine forces, but extended occupations may cause unrest and political strain. The Rebel player can incite uprisings, form alliances, and exploit U.S. overreach. The dynamic event deck drives the unfolding historical narrative, ensuring each playthrough tells a unique story of intervention, resistance, and empire.

Game Components:

• 1 x 17” x 22” full-colour map depicting the Caribbean and Central America
• 80 die-cut counters representing U.S. forces, revolutionary armies, and political influence markers
• 55 event and operation cards driving gameplay and historical developments
• Complete rulebook and player reference materials

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Strategic / Political
Map Area: Caribbean Basin & Central America
Turn: Variable (1898–1935)

Gameplay Focus: Banana Wars captures the tension between imperial ambition and nationalist resistance during the United States’ early rise as a global power. With its mix of military operations, political influence, and historical events, it provides a rich and thought-provoking experience for players interested in colonial-era conflicts and early 20th-century geopolitics.

Strategy & Tactics #322: Banana Wars – U.S. Intervention in the Caribbean 1898–1935 is an engaging, historically grounded wargame that blends diplomacy, military action, and economic pressure into a fast-playing, thematic simulation of America’s “small wars” abroad.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s trusted source for historical wargames, strategy titles, and military simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

Help other Milsims Games users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.