This paper focuses upon some of the main historical events in American History and their effects on shaping the American way of thinking. It is mainly concerned around four periods of history such as World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War and the still ongoing War on Terrorism. This historical overview is of great importance for understanding how over the years American people changed their perspective on war and the world in general. While Americans felt great enthusiasm about fighting and being a soldier in World War I, after the Vietnam War that way of thinking changes and continues to change even more drastically today during the War on Terrorism. How the American attitude towards war and warfare has been shaped throughout history is well represented in three iconic war films: Saving Private Ryan, the Platoon and Jarhead. The American cinematography has had a great impact on people in America and worldwide and the films have greatly contributed to maintaining the American war myth and its representation. The American war myth, like the American dream, is deeply rooted in the head of every American.