Following the American Revolutionary War, the United States faced potential military conflict on the high seas as well as on the western frontier. The United States was a minor military power during this time, having only a modest army, Marine corps, and navy. A traditional distrust of standing armies, combined with faith in the abilities of local militia, precluded the development of well-trained units and a professional officer corps. Jeffersonian leaders preferred a small army and navy, fearing that a large military establishment would involve the United States in excessive foreign wars, and potentially allow a domestic tyrant to seize power. COUNT 5
QSN1 What quality made the US only a minor military power after the Revolutionary War? ANS1 having only a modest army QSN2 Why was the US military so small initially? ANS2 A traditional distrust of standing armies QSN3 The founding fathers had faith in what military groups? ANS3 local militia QSN4 What did early American leaders worry a large standing army would involve America in? ANS4 foreign wars QSN5 Early leaders also feared a large army would allow what internal conflict to take place? ANS5 a domestic tyrant to seize power