Why was the Marine Corps created?

Answer 1

The United States Marine Corps is a direct descendant of the British Royal Marines. When the 2nd Continental Congress drew up plans for a Navy, it also established a Continental Marine Corps. On November 10, 1775 Congress passed the following resolution.

"Resolved that two battalions of Marines be raised, and that particular care be taken, that no person be appointed to office, or enlisted into said Battalions, but such are good seaman, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to advantage by sea, when required.....that they be enlisted and commissioned for the present war between Great Britain and the colonies, unless dismissed by Congress. That they be distinguished by the names of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of American Marines. Thereby, on 10 November 1775 the Marine Corps was established, this is the date Marines now refer to as the birth date of the United States Marine Corps.

Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is recognized as the birthplace of the Marine Corps. It was established as the recruiting Headquarters of the newly formed Marine Corps. As these new recruits were to form the Corps each man had to bring his own rifle with him in order to enlist.

Answer 2

They were needed to provide Naval Infantry for a nonexistent US Navy which at that moment still did not own a Ship of the Line or even an armed merchantman. The Naval Service had a lot of work to do before they would be ready to take on the Royal Navy.

Answer 3

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea,[6]using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States. In the civilian leadership structure of the United States military, the Marine Corps is a component of the United States Department of the Navy,[7][8] often working closely with U.S. naval forces for training, transportation, and logistic purposes; however, in the military leadership structure the Marine Corps is a separate branch.[9]

Captain Samuel Nicholas formed two battalions of Continental Marines on 10 November 1775 in Philadelphia as naval infantry.[10] Since then, the mission of the Marine Corps has evolved with changing military doctrine and American foreign policy. The Marine Corps has served in every American armed conflict and attained prominence in the 20th century when its theories and practices of amphibious warfare proved prescient and ultimately formed the cornerstone of the Pacific campaign of World War II.[11] By the mid-20th century, the Marine Corps had become the dominant theorist and practitioner of amphibious warfare.[12][13][14] Its ability to rapidly respond on short notice to expeditionary crises gives it a strong role in the implementation and execution of American foreign policy.[15]

Answer 4

To protect Navy ships and installations.

Originally formed as naval infantry, the US Marine Corps is responsible for providing power projection from the sea, utilizing the US Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly.

Answer 5

The Marine Corps was formed as a sea borne ground force of sorts, whose primary mission was the protection of Naval ships and bases. Over time that role has evolved into being much more similar to the nations 911 force, a force in readiness that could respond anywhere in the world on short notice. Today they remain in that role, maintaining forward deployed Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) to respond to anything that arises that the President needs to respond to. Whether it be humanitarian disasters such the earthquake in Haiti or the Tsunami in the Pacific, Marines have responded to the nations call ever time.

In wartime, the Marine Corps is typically used as a hard hitting assault force which while great for combined arms destruction of our nations enemy was never structured for a long term sustained occupation overseas. With the aid of the other branches even this role has been filled in the last decade.

Answer 6

To fight the Brits during the American Revolution.

Answer 7

The marines were started to protect American ships and fight the naval battles from firing from the top onto the enemy ship's decks.

Answer 8

The United States Marine Corps was started on November 10, 1775. The marines have served in every conflict since they began. The Marine Corps is a department of the Navy.

Answer 9

To defend it's ships against being boarded and attacked.