The Myth of Citizen's Militia

Every American has heard the famous story of the Minutemen who fought the British and won the American Revolution. It is believed that the patriotism and support of a united population contributed greatly to America's victory. Yet, the contribution of the citizen-soldiers is often highly overrated. In actuality, the militia was ill-trained and difficult to manage.

At the time of the First Continental Congress, leaders still hoped to settle differences peacefully with the British. Aware that reconciliation might fail, however, they called upon the militia to train and be ready for defensive warfare if necessary. It was understood, according the colonists' militia system of defense, that every property-owning white adult male was to be willing to make sacrifices, even his life, to protect his home, family, and community. It was assumed that when the time arose, the virtuous citizen-soldier would rush to arms.

On April 19, 1775, at Lexington, Concord, they did. It is to be noted that on the day of Lexington and Concord the rush to arms was admirable. That day a myth was born of the citizen-soldiers who came to action when properly enraged. It is believed that these citizen-soldiers stayed for the eight-year fight until America's liberties were secure.

This was not so. During the summer of 1775, when Washington tried to instill discipline into the soldiers, they resisted. They were also tired of the camp-life of a soldier, and many had succumbed to diseases. Hundreds decided not to re-enlist the following year and went home instead. Even with all the rigorous recruiting, few were willing to enlist and stay for the long-term fight.