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

The U.S. Marine Corps fought its first battle on foreign soil in Libya during the First Barbary War from 1801 to 1805. This conflict involved a series of naval engagements and land battles as the United States sought to combat piracy and secure safe passage for American merchant vessels in the Mediterranean Sea. The famous attack on Derna, which took place in 1805, is particularly noted as the first time U.S. military forces invaded another country, marking a significant milestone in Marine Corps history and establishing their reputation as an effective fighting force.

The other options represent notable engagements but do not qualify as the first battle fought by the Marine Corps on foreign land. For instance, while the Marines were involved in conflicts in Mexico, France, and the Philippines later on, these events occurred after the initial foreign engagement in Libya.