This dissertation argues that the place of the military in American society during the Revolutionary War period is understandable only within the larger context of republican ideology.

Ideologies and armies in society --The military in colonial society -- Harrington, standing armies and the radical Whigs -- Conspiracy, the army, and republican ideology, 1768 to 1775 -- The standing army and the new republic, 1774 to 1778 -- Public virtue, self-interest, and half pay, 1778 to 1783 -- Peace, national security, and the militia, 1783 to 1786 -- The army and the federal constitution, a new arrangement -- Creating a peace establishment, an epilogue, 1790 to 1820.