The United States Military

When the colonists began to fight for independence in 1775 they had no navy. So when the English blocked New York and Boston's harbors to keep out trade ships, the troops could do nothing to break the blockade. To get all the muskets, gunpowder, and food the army needed. George Washington fitted guns on to the ships of merchants.   He also put on a crew of fighter.  They captured items such as food, and guns.   He seized over 50 ships.  So then the Continental Congress voted to have a Navy.