Did you know that the US military has a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War? So, let’s take a look at the foundation of the American Army and how it has evolved over time.

The United States military has a long and rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War.

The Revolutionary War was fought from 1775 to 1783, and it represented the first conflict between the Thirteen Colonies and Great Britain. The primary cause of the war was the British desire to impose taxes on the colonies without their representation in Parliament. The Americans responded by forming the Continental Congress and issuing the Declaration of Independence, which asserted their autonomy from Great Britain.

The British were initially successful in suppressing the rebellion, but they eventually lost the war after a string of defeats beginning with the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. The Treaty of Paris, which ended the war, recognized America’s independence and granted them sovereignty over a large territory west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Alexander Hamilton
(Source: Library of Congress/Archive)

On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of two infantry battalions, which would later become the foundation of the American Army. These battalions were tasked with defending the colonies against British aggression and played a crucial role in the American Revolution. The first battalion, which was led by Colonel Alexander Hamilton, saw action at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. The second battalion, led by Colonel John Glover, helped liberate Boston from British control in 1776.

The American Revolution was a bloody conflict, and the Continental Army suffered heavy casualties. In 1777, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of a cavalry regiment to help improve the Army’s mobility. In 1781, they authorized the creation of an artillery regiment.

The Revolutionary War ended in 1783, and the Continental Army was disbanded. The Army was briefly resurrected in 1791 to deal with a colonial uprising in western Pennsylvania, but it was quickly disbanded again.

The United States military did not become a permanent institution until after the War of 1812. Then, in 1812, Congress authorized the creation of a regular army, and in 1815 they authorized the creation of a navy. The United States military has been growing ever since.