The rise of the National Guard
Subtitle: the evolution of the American militia, 1865-1920
By: Jerry Cooper.
Series: Studies in war, society, and the military ; v. 1
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Lincoln
Language: eng
Number of pages: 246
Subjects: United States -- National Guard -- History; United States -- Militia -- Finance -- History
Description: From the beginning of our republic the concept of a citizen soldiery, organized through militias, has undergirded American military philosophy. This nation fought the Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Mexican War, and began the Civil War, relying on volunteer militias and only a skeletal professional military force. The Civil War demonstrated the need to adapt state militias to the requirements of modern war, yet the United States retained its original philosophy in what became the National Guard. The Rise of the National Guard describes in thorough detail the evolution of the state militia system to a more federally controlled National Guard during the crucial years of development. The subject is important because the "citizen soldier" and "militia-national guard" traditions form one of the two pillars on which American military policy is built; a professional, regular military force is the other. Jerry Cooper's detailed research, unique examination of the experience of individual states, and careful analysis make this work the standard treatment of the subject.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [229]-233) and index.