Citizen Militia

History is filled with wars. We dream the victories and defeats, great and small, and note how they have shaped our world. Wars and social movements have made our civilization as we know it. Man’s religion and past wars gives us an understanding of the present. In 1075, a militia loyal to the crown was used against the Norman rebellion. A militia in 1285, and later a Law of Trusts, reorganized the militia. In 1471, with the aid of the militia, towns in Sweden returned to reforms. The University of Uppsala was founded (1477) and printing was introduced. The civic humanist ideal of the militia was spread through Europe by the writings of Niccolò Machiavelli. The militiaman in times of crisis left his civilian duties and became a soldier. When the emergency was over, he returned to his civilian status. Militias continued in England, Italy, Germany, and the United States through the Middle Ages. The first US militia was in Boston. Militias soon followed in the Colonies. Militias were valuable in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, Mexican War, and both sides of the Civil War. There was further growth into the 1900’s and on into the Present. “Thou art also victory and law When empty terrors overawe.” (Wordsworth)