1. The Origins of War Plan Red
The roots of War Plan Red can be traced to the uneasy aftermath of World War I. The United States, wary of shifting alliances and lingering imperial rivalries, began formulating detailed contingency plans against possible adversaries—including the British Empire. This practice reflected a broader strategic mindset: military planners believed that preparing for every conceivable conflict was essential to national security. The result was a series of color-coded war plans, with “Red” designating Britain as the hypothetical enemy (via U.S. Department of State).
