The lack of a national army refers to the absence of a centralized military force under the direct control of the national government. This situation arose under the Articles of Confederation, where the federal government was unable to raise or maintain a standing army, leading to challenges in national defense and law enforcement. The inability to create a national army weakened the federal government's authority and made it difficult to respond effectively to internal uprisings or external threats.
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Under the Articles of Confederation, the federal government could request troops from the states, but had no authority to compel states to send them, leading to a reliance on state militias.
The inability to maintain a national army contributed to the federal government's impotence in dealing with domestic unrest and foreign threats.
Without a standing army, there was increased difficulty in enforcing laws, protecting borders, and responding quickly to crises.
The lack of a national army was one of the key weaknesses that prompted calls for a stronger federal government, eventually leading to the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
Concerns about military power also led to debates about balancing state rights and federal authority when drafting the U.S. Constitution.
Review Questions
How did the lack of a national army under the Articles of Confederation impact the United States' ability to respond to crises?
The absence of a national army severely limited the United States' ability to respond effectively to both internal and external crises. Without a centralized military force, the federal government struggled to enforce laws or provide security against uprisings, such as Shays' Rebellion. This situation highlighted the weaknesses in governance and defense that existed under the Articles of Confederation.
Discuss how the lack of a national army influenced debates at the Constitutional Convention.
The lack of a national army was a significant concern during the Constitutional Convention as delegates recognized that a strong federal government was necessary for effective governance and defense. This issue fueled discussions about creating a balanced system where both state militias and a centralized military could coexist. Ultimately, this led to the establishment of a national army under federal authority while still allowing states some military power.
Evaluate how the failure to establish a national army affected U.S. sovereignty and security during its early years.
The failure to establish a national army left the U.S. vulnerable and challenged its sovereignty during its formative years. The inability to defend against foreign threats or quell domestic unrest undermined public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens. This insecurity contributed to calls for reform and laid the groundwork for adopting the Constitution, which aimed to create a more robust framework for national defense and governmental authority.
The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a weak central government and provided limited powers to Congress.
Militia: A military force composed of ordinary citizens who are trained for emergencies, often called upon to supplement regular army forces, but lacking the full-time readiness of a national army.
An armed uprising in 1786-1787 led by disgruntled Massachusetts farmers, protesting economic injustices and highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.