Following the American Revolutionary War, the United States faced potential military conflict on the high seas as well as on the western frontier. The United States was a minor military power during this time, having only a modest army, Marine corps, and navy. A traditional distrust of standing armies, combined with faith in the abilities of local militia, precluded the development of well-trained units and a professional officer corps. Jeffersonian leaders preferred a small army and navy, fearing that a large military establishment would involve the United States in excessive foreign wars, and potentially allow a domestic tyrant to seize power.
Following the American Revolutionary War , the United States faced potential military conflict on the high seas as well as on the western frontier . The United States was a minor military power during this time , having only a modest army , Marine corps , and navy . A traditional distrust of standing armies , combined with faith in the abilities of local militia , precluded the development of well - trained units and a professional officer corps . Jeffersonian leaders preferred a small army and navy , fearing that a large military establishment would involve the United States in excessive foreign wars , and potentially allow a domestic tyrant to seize power .
What did early American leaders worry a large standing army would involve America in?
What did early American leaders worry a large standing army would involve America in ?
foreign wars
foreign wars