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The Continental Navy was formed in 1775 during the American Revolution to intercept British shipping and disrupt commercial operations at sea. It grew stronger and began to seize British warships and carry supplies to army divisions. During its 10-year life, the Navy captured or destroyed nearly 200 British vessels, contributing to low morale in the British forces. The Navy was dissolved in 1785 and re-established in 1794, with the USS Constellation, the USS Constitution, and the USS United States as the first ships. The Navy grew to become an indispensable part of the US military.
The United States Navy during the American Revolution was called the Continental Navy. Formed on 13 October 1775, the Navy’s primary purpose was to intercept British shipping and disrupt any British commercial operations at sea. Later, according to plans drawn up by Silas Dean, John Adams and John Langdon, the Navy grew stronger and began to seize British warships and carry much-needed supplies to army divisions.
While the Colonists and Continental Army were fighting the British, the Second Continental Congress met to discuss the creation of the Continental Navy in May 1775. However, it was not created then and by October 1775 the British were dominant at sea and had the upper hand in the war. With some states already hiring small fleets to protect their area, it was evident that a navy was needed, and Congress eventually agreed to form one. The first warships were built and the Continental Navy was born.
During the 10-year life of the Continental Navy, 65 ships served. Of these, only 11 were not sunk or captured. During his time, however, the Continental Navy captured or destroyed nearly 200 British vessels, which severely hampered British trade and dwindling supplies. While naval forces may not have done much to win the war in battle, they did contribute to low morale in the British forces. Many believe this low morale was a large contributing factor to Britain’s defeat.
The Revolutionary War finally ended in October 1781 and a new federal government was formed in the United States. During this time, the Continental Navy’s 11 surviving ships were reduced to five. A fledgling nation with diplomatic ties to establish, the United States had little employment or funds for a navy. All ships were finally sold in 1785 and the Navy was dissolved. It wasn’t until 1794 that it would be re-established.
Rebuilding the Navy was a slow process, with only three ships allowed to be built and crewed. The first ships of the official United States Navy were the USS Constellation, the USS Constitution and the USS United States. It was not until the War of 1812 that the Navy saw rapid growth and practical use.
Though this original navy was broken up and lost for nearly a decade, the United States Navy still traces its roots back to 1775. Many ships of the Continental Navy were converted to merchant ships, but are generally remembered as large and brave fleets. After proving its necessity in the wars that followed 1785, the Navy grew to become an indispensable part of the US military.
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