Naval Militia
Naval Militia.A late nineteenth‐century offspring of the National Guard and “New Navy” movements, the naval militia championed a place for the citizen‐sailor in national defense. The resurgence of the National Guard ensured a positive reception in coastal and Great Lake state legislatures to the idea of training a citizen‐based naval reserve. Massachusetts formed the first state Naval Battalion in 1890. By the Spanish‐American War, fifteen states had naval militia to quell waterfront strikes and defend coastal areas. Interest in developing a world‐class New Navy also contributed to the popularity of the naval militia concept. Accordingly, the navy, beginning in 1891, provided funds and equipment for training and did not hesitate to call upon these forces when war came with Spain in 1898. Four thousand militiamen served on auxiliary cruisers performing scouting and blockade missions—which...
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