If Islam is a religion of peace why did it expand through military conquests?

[Minimalist]

No there wasn't. It's all later bullshit designed to give the Hasmonean kings a glorious history.

Read some current archaeology and learn how you have been fooled.

I have actually heard that there's no evidence that the Exodus really happened, and Nazareth may not have even existed.

Correct on the Exodus.

The issue with "Nazareth" is more complex. The scope of human habitation is in question. There was certainly some sort of village on the site by the 3d century, AD. The issue is, was there a major town on the site at the end of the first millenium BC. The answer to that seems to be "no."

And that leaves the gospel accounts covered with shit....which jesus freaks hate.