NCJ Number
174810
Date Published
1998
Length
96 pages
Annotation
The militia movement in the United States has gained enormous strength in the 1990s and has captured a great deal of media attention, but militias can be traced back to the time of the American Revolution.
Abstract
In 1792, Congress passed the Militia Act which required all able-bodied white male citizens between 18 and 45 years of age to enroll in a militia. Over the next century, original militias evolved into scattered units called on to support police in putting down civil disturbances or reacting to natural disasters. In 1903, Congress designated the pool of men in State militias as the National Guard. At the present time, some militia members claim their organizations are rooted in the 18th century with the patriots and founders. While these militia members like to describe themselves as patriots, their organizations bear little resemblance to original militias. Extremist views of contemporary militias have their foundation in the 1860s with the creation of the Ku Klux Klan. Cornerstones of current militias are identified, with special emphasis on their hatred and distrust of government. The extent of militia activities in the United States and the threat posed by militias are assessed. References and photographs