How the American Wilderness Shaped the Citizen Soldier

The idea of the citizen soldier, which has its origins in the Fyrd system of Anglo-Saxon England, transformed on the American frontier, influencing the formation of the Continental Army. Colonial militias, comprised of local farmers and businessmen, were associated with land ownership. As westward expansion progressed, Virginia's militia fell short, resulting in the establishment of provincial troops—volunteers compensated for their service. George Washington, who was appointed Major in the Virginia Provincial troops, engaged in combat in 1754 at the Battle of Jumonville Glen, igniting the French and Indian War. The defeat of British General Edward Braddock in 1755 underscored the need for unconventional tactics. The Continental Congress established the Continental Army on June 14, 1775. Following the Revolutionary War, Virginia revamped its militia to emphasize military experience, impacting the evolution of the federal army.