The Rise of the National Guard: The Evolution of the American Militia, 1865-1920.

Abstract

This volume describes in thorough detail the evolution of the state militia system to a more federally controlled National Guard during the crucial years of development. The subject is important because the citizen soldier and militiaunational guard tradition is one of the two pillars on which American military policy was built; a professional, regular military force was the other. Jerry CooperAs detailed research, unique examination of the experience of individual states, and careful analysis will make this the standard treatment of the subject.