9781422280188

T he U.S. Army has been protecting the citizens of the United States at home and abroad for more than 240 years. From a tiny force of less than 1,000 men, it has grown into the largest and most powerful army in the world today. The U.S. Army was created under the presidency of George Washington (1732– 1799) on June 14, 1775, at the Second Continental Congress. The Revolutionary War (1775–1780) was just beginning, and the United States required a more organized military force to cast off British rule. As a result, the Continental Army was formed, commanded by a five-member civilian board. The army was small in size, initially numbering only 960 men, but, alongside various state militias, it ultimately defeated the British at Yorktown in 1780. Its job done, the army was officially disbanded on November 2, 1783. President Washington now faced a problem. The young United States still required a national army to protect it, but one that would not threaten the military independence of the various states. In the 1780s, the United States relied on state militias for protec- tion. These militias had fought hard during the Revolutionary War, but they did have their limitations. Militia soldiers were mostly laborers, which meant they could be called up for about 30–60 days only—any longer, and U.S. industry and agriculture suffered from a lack of manpower. Furthermore, the discipline and effectiveness of the militias varied tremendously.

Words to Understand Civilian: Person not a member of the military, police, or other armed force. Fortification: Structure built with the goal of protecting a specific area. Truce: Agreement between opposing sides to end fighting.

D efending the G round : T he A rmy

9