Militia
At a glance:
- Series: Magill’s Guide to Military History
- Categories: Military History
- Subcategories: Generals, Military Officers, Soldiers, Organizations, Agencies, Institutions
- Curriculum: Asian History, Western Civilization/European History, Ancient History, US History
An armed force raised from a civilian population. The first militiamen were the hoplites of the ancient Greek city-states, citizen-soldiers who served in politics as well as in battle. During the Middle Ages, it was not uncommon to muster civilians into service during times of emergency. The same practice was followed in many parts of the world, including China and Japan before 1603. Although militia performed well in the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763), particularly in its American phase; the French and Indian War (1754-1763); and the American Revolution (1775-1783), it was becoming...
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