- "They want a war, so that's what we'll give 'em."
- ―Thaddeus Ross[src]
The American-Wakandan War was a military conflict between the United States of America and Wakanda, orchestrated by Erik Killmonger.
History[]
Killmonger's War[]
- "I did what I had to do."
"For what? A throne?"
"For vengeance. For my father. And for all my brothers and sisters who suffered through oppression while you just sat back and watched." - ―Erik Killmonger and T'Challa[src]
Frustrated at the death of his father and the suffering of African Americans across the globe, Erik Stevens vowed revenge on both the United States of America and Wakanda, seeking to start a war which would ruin both countries. While serving in the Navy SEALs, Killmonger devised a plan to gain Tony Stark's trust, so he would provide him with resources he needed, and joined forces with Ulysses Klaue. After rescuing Stark from the Ten Rings in Afghanistan, Killmonger gained a position within the Stark Industries and earned Stark's trust, before offering him to pick up the Project Liberator that would replace human troops with automated drones.
James Rhodes and Black Panther are ambushed by Erik Killmonger
While working on the project together, Killmonger suggested to use vibranium to power up the drones, so Stark deployed James Rhodes to purchase it from Klaue. However, Killmonger told Klaue to leak the information about the deal to War Dogs which resulted in Black Panther breaking into the Salvage Yard to stop the deal. Killmonger then killed both Black Panther and Rhodes, making it look like they killed each other during the vibranium deal before escaping with Klaue and vibranium. The discovery of T'Challa's body resulted in the destabilization of the political climate between the US and Wakanda, with T'Chaka officially blaming the US military and Stark Industries for the death of the Wakandan prince and his son.[1]
Invasion of Wakanda[]
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Tony Stark is killed by Erik Killmonger
- "Congratulations, Lieutenant. You just invented 21st century warfare."
- ―Thaddeus Ross to Erik Killmonger[src]
Tony Stark uncovered Erik Killmonger's involvement in deaths of James Rhodes, so he had the Liberator Drone prototype take him down. However, Killmonger killed Stark with a Vibranium Spear, making it look like he was killed by Wakandans as retribution for their prince. Discovering his body, the US military considered it a declaration of war and Thaddeus Ross issued a Patriot Act, seizing Stark Industries to mass-produce Liberator Drones.
Wakandan army fights the Stark Liberator Drones
While Ross was commanding the drones from Drone Command Center, Killmonger escorted them to the border of Wakanda. However, he turned against the US military, murdered Ulysses Klaue and informed Wakandans about the upcoming attack. T'Chaka ordered Dora Milaje and Border Tribe to prepare for the attack and carry out Killmonger's plan to disrupt the drones' signals with the protective barrier. The drones entered the country and the barrier disrupted the signal, however, Killmonger secretly reactivated the drones from the inside, starting a battle. With Killmonger's assistance, the Wakandan army successfully destroyed all drones in the battle, taking a victory.[1]
The War Goes On[]
- "All due respect, sir, isn't that a lot of firepower to aim at a country most Americans can't find on a map?"
"By tomorrow, they won't need to." - ―Pepper Potts and Thaddeus Ross[src]
In the wake of the failed mission, Thaddeus Ross issued an order to prepare the Jericho missiles to wipe out Wakanda once and for all. Meanwhile, Erik Killmonger was officially proclaimed a Prince of Wakanda and given the mantle of the Black Panther.[1]
Shuri discovered Killmonger's involvement in the war, so she joined forces with Pepper Potts to bring him down. After exposed the truth of Killmonger’s deception to both the USA and Wakanda, declaring as an enemy to both sides. As Shuri, Potts, and Dora Milaje went to confront him, however, a desperate Killmonger disappeared.[2]