The Gilded Age E69 The Making of the Modern Marine Corps
This episode covers an often overlooked period of Marine Corps activity during the Gilded Age. While the nation focused on industry and expansion, Marines were deployed globally, supporting U.S. interests, protecting trade routes, and enforcing treaties. In Panama, they were involved in repeated interventions to stabilize a region critical to future canal plans.
At home, the Corps faced low morale, slow promotions, poor infrastructure, and outdated equipment. The Corps stayed active, adapted when needed, and proved its value through consistent performance in uncertain conditions.
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REFERENCES:
Ellsworth, H. A. (2011). One hundred eighty landings of united states marines 1800-1934, a brief. Place of publication not identified: Wildside Press.
Logsheet of Historic Marine Corps Dates, Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps.
Maclay, E. S. (2019). A history of American privateers.
Miller, W. M., Johnstone, J. H., & United States. (1965). A chronology of the United States Marine Corps, Volume 1: 1775-1934. Washington, D.C: Historical Branch, G-3 Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Navy Register of the United States, 1860-1903
Neeser, R. W. (1970). Statistical and Chronological History of the United States Navy, 1775-1907.
Rickover, H. G. (1976). How the battleship Maine was destroyed. U.S. Government Printing Office. https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/NHC/NewPDFs/USN/USN%20Manuals%20and%20Reports/USN.HOW%20.THE.BATTLESHIP.MAINE.WAS.DESTROYED.Rickover.pdf
Twain, M., Warner, C. D. (1904). The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. United Kingdom: Harper & Brothers Publishers.
United States., & United States. (1912). Right to protect citizens in foreign countries by landing forces. Washington: Govt. Print. Off.
U.S. Naval Legal Service Command. (2024, January 29). Naval Law Review (Vol. 69). U.S. Department of the Navy. https://stjececmsdusgva001.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/public/documents/NLR_Vol._69_Final_29Jan24.pdf