History Of The Marine Corps

The loss of the Randolph was only the beginning of a brutal year for the Continental Navy. The Alfred fell to the British, its crew was taken prisoner, and the Raleigh barely escaped. Captain Thompson’s failure to support Alfred led to his dismissal, and the British blockade continued to strangle American supply lines. Yet, even in defeat, Marines found ways to fight back, escaping captivity and continuing the struggle. In this episode, we dive into the naval battles, leadership missteps, and the resilience of the Marines who refused to surrender. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

Battles aren't always won through brute force—sometimes, deception and speed are the sharpest weapons. Captain Trevett’s raid on Nassau in 1776 was a masterclass in both. With only 26 Marines, he captured Fort Nassau by stealth, securing much-needed gunpowder and supplies without losing a single Marine. Lieutenant Molten seized Fort Montagu just as easily, and Marines also took several British ships, including the Mary, stocked with weapons, rum, and coffee. But the British weren’t far behind. A 500-man garrison and a well-armed privateer threatened to retake what the Marines had stolen. Trevett had to outmaneuver his enemies, using bluffs and quick thinking to escape Nassau with everything intact. This operation was more than a daring raid—it was a critical moment in early Marine Corps history, proving their ability to strike fast, hit hard, and disappear before the enemy could react. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see ou

The British seized Philadelphia in late 1777, forcing American ships like the Boston and the Providence to scramble for men and supplies, often amid desertion and lack of discipline. John Paul Jones clashed bitterly with Lieutenant Thomas Simpson over command of the Ranger, ultimately losing his ship to the very officer he’d charged with insubordination. Meanwhile, the Boston struggled to crew up before ferrying John Adams to France, where he joined commissioners securing the new French alliance. This alliance transformed the war’s scope—Britain refocused on defending its coasts and colonies, while Americans like Captain Rathbun and Marine Captain John Trevett grew bolder, setting their sights on British strongholds like Fort Nassau. Despite setbacks, the Continental Navy and Marines pressed on, refining their tactics, forging new recruits, and striking wherever Britain was vulnerable. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see o

The American Revolution wasn’t just fought on land—it raged across the seas, where the Continental Marines played a crucial role. One of their most daring missions came in 1778 aboard the Ranger, under the command of John Paul Jones. Sailing across the Atlantic, Marines and sailors struck British trade routes, launched raids, and brought the war to enemy shores. Their courage and discipline were tested in battles like the raid on Whitehaven and the clash with HMS Drake. These Marines proved that even a small, determined force could challenge the world’s most powerful navy. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

As winter tightened its grip, General Washington's army faced immense challenges after several defeats. Outnumbered and pursued by British forces under General William Howe, Washington turned to Major Nicholas and his Marines aboard the frigates Delaware and Washington to strengthen his defenses. At the same time, General Israel Putnam worked to protect Philadelphia, striving to prevent British ships like the HMS Roebuck from blocking the city. Fearing the loss of their valuable fleet, Congress ordered the Randolph and Hornet to defend the Delaware River. The British threat was so significant that American leaders even considered burning their own ships rather than allowing them to be captured. Amid this tension, Washington made a daring decision: crossing the ice-choked Delaware River on Christmas night to launch a surprise attack on the Hessians at Trenton. With the crucial support of the Marines, Washington’s bold move reinvigorated the American cause and marked a turning point in the quest for independenc

The challenges faced by Continental forces during the Revolution extended far beyond the battlefield. Recruitment was a constant struggle, with many soldiers deserting or opting for more profitable privateering roles. Meanwhile, Congress fought to fund a navy that could compete with Britain’s overwhelming fleet. In response, leaders like Robert Morris and John Paul Jones embraced bold strategies, raiding British colonies and targeting the transatlantic slave trade. In the middle of this chaos, Marines rose to the occasion.Mastering naval combat and boarding actions aboard the Ranger and Randolph, they stopped mutinies, resolved supply shortages, and stabilized leadership. As the conflict intensified, the Marines would continue to prove themselves, playing a key role in the next phase of the Revolution. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and T

The Revolutionary War is rich with famous leaders like George Washington and John Paul Jones, but history also owes much to individuals like Marine John Trevett. His story, while overlooked, offers a fascinating look into the sacrifices and struggles of the Continental Navy and Marine Corps. From his service aboard the Providence to bold missions like the Raid of the Bahamas, Trevett’s contributions proved vital to the fight for independence. In today’s episode, we’ll explore how Trevett’s courage, resilience, and ingenuity shaped key moments in America’s naval history. His story highlights the unsung contributions of those who helped forge the path to freedom. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a f

Cadwalader led his men deeper into New Jersey, with Marines at his side. Supplies dwindled, shoes fell apart, and icy winds pierced their thin coats. Despite these hardships, they pressed on, scavenging Hessian gear and relying on local towns for provisions. Each minor victory sparked hope, though desertions and illness thinned their ranks. The Marines played key roles in pivotal clashes—at Trenton, the defense of Assunpink Creek, and Princeton. Nicholas’s men stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Continental Army, facing British and Hessian forces directly. By the time they reached Morristown, the Marines were dispersed—some folded into Army units, others reassigned to new ships. Yet their ingenuity and fighting spirit left a lasting mark, shaping the course of battle. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagr

As winter tightened its grip, General Washington's army faced immense challenges after several defeats. Outnumbered and pursued by British forces under General William Howe, Washington turned to Major Nicholas and his Marines aboard the frigates Delaware and Washington to strengthen his defenses. At the same time, General Israel Putnam worked to protect Philadelphia, striving to prevent British ships like the HMS Roebuck from blocking the city. Fearing the loss of their valuable fleet, Congress ordered the Randolph and Hornet to defend the Delaware River. The British threat was so significant that American leaders even considered burning their own ships rather than allowing them to be captured. Amid this tension, Washington made a daring decision: crossing the ice-choked Delaware River on Christmas night to launch a surprise attack on the Hessians at Trenton. With the crucial support of the Marines, Washington’s bold move reinvigorated the American cause and marked a turning point in the quest for independenc

Major Samuel Nicholas, the first Marine Commandant, organized new detachments for freshly built frigates like the Washington, Randolph, Effingham, and Delaware. Officers like Benjamin Dean and Andrew Porter tackled recruitment challenges, while men like Robert Maullen recruited Marines from Philadelphia’s taverns and endured British captivity. Though short on resources, these Marines guarded key locations, prepared for shipboard combat, and even marched north to defend Philadelphia from a potential British invasion. Meanwhile, Commodore Esek Hopkins faced scrutiny for the Bahamas raid, and Captains Dudley Saltonstall and Abraham Whipple came under investigation. Amid political turmoil, disease, and shortages, the Marines developed discipline and honed their combat skills. As General Washington retreated across New Jersey, Marine units readied for action, standing firm in their commitment to independence. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and

By early 1776, Captain Miles Pennington was recruiting Marines aboard the Reprisal, laying the groundwork for what would become a legendary fighting force. These new recruits quickly faced their first challenge during the Fire Boats Operation, using burning vessels to disrupt British ships. Officers like Luke Matthewman and Robert Scott worked tirelessly to fill the ranks of the Lexington, embracing the Marine mindset of improvising and adapting. Commodore Esek Hopkins and the Reprisal clashed with British patrols in the Caribbean, forging French alliances while capturing enemy prizes. The Lexington seized British vessels as well, including a bold Marine-led recapture. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory

After seizing weapons and supplies during their daring raid in the Bahamas, the Continental Marines returned from their first amphibious operation with renewed purpose. As Philadelphia fortified the Delaware River, bracing for inevitable attacks on major ports, America’s navy expanded its reach. Ships like the Lexington and Reprisal clashed with British frigates, testing the colonies’ power at sea. Bold captains like John Barry and Lambert Wickes captured prizes, recruited Marines, and showed Britain’s navy was not invincible. These early hard-fought victories set the stage for greater coordination between land and sea forces, expanding the Revolutionary War’s scope. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory

In the spring of 1776, the Continental Navy and Marine Corps launched a daring mission in the Bahamas. Commodore Esek Hopkins and Captain Samuel Nicholas led a fleet south to secure critical supplies, pivoting from Virginia to New Providence after British reinforcements arrived. Guided by captured sailors through dangerous reefs, over 200 Marines seized Fort Montagu overnight. Although 162 barrels of gunpowder were hidden, they captured cannons, ammunition, and other supplies. Fort Nassau fell days later without resistance. This first amphibious assault demonstrated the Marine Corps’ potential in complex operations. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

Commodore Esek Hopkins assembled America’s first Continental Navy, leading a small fleet eager to take action against British forces. After weeks trapped in ice on the Delaware River during the winter of 1776, Hopkins chose to bypass a potential confrontation with Lord Dunmore in Virginia, deciding to sail south for a bold raid on the Bahamas instead. This British-controlled territory was believed to hold a critical cache of gunpowder and munitions vital for the colonial war effort. With Marines under Samuel Nicholas, the newly established Corps prepared for its first amphibious assault, ultimately targeting New Providence. Local defenses were sparse, and officials had not anticipated an invasion so distant from New England. Relying on the element of surprise, Hopkins and Nicholas led the fledgling Navy and Marines in an audacious operation aimed at capturing valuable supplies, boosting morale, and proving that the young American forces could challenge the British Empire. Their success in this mission set a

George Washington wasn’t thrilled about pulling two battalions from his Army to create a whole new military branch. He had bigger battles to fight and limited resources to stretch. When Congress decided the country needed a Marine Corps, they handed the task to Samuel Nicholas. In today’s episode, we'll take a look at the whirlwind of chaotic recruiting efforts, financial headaches, and tavern meetings that would lay the foundation for one of the most storied military forces in history. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

Tensions between England and its American colonies erupted into open conflict after Lexington and Concord, rallying undecided colonists to the rebel cause. In Massachusetts, militias surrounded Boston, placing it under siege, while provisional assemblies struggled to support volunteers who were eager but untrained. Amid this chaos, the Second Continental Congress acted decisively, forming the Continental Army, Navy, and Marines in 1775, setting the foundation for the modern U.S. Marine Corps. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

In this episode, we delve into General Thomas Gage’s daunting task of enforcing the Intolerable Acts in a colony teetering on rebellion. While Britain sought control, colonists quietly stockpiled weapons and boycotted British goods. Tensions boiled over when Paul Revere’s midnight ride spread the alarm of Redcoat movements, rallying farmers, shopkeepers, and tradesmen to take a stand. The rebellion escalated with a daring raid on Fort William and Mary, where colonists seized weapons, further enraging Britain. When the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord, ordinary colonists proved they were ready to fight. This pivotal clash shattered any hope for reconciliation, prompting the creation of a united army under George Washington ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). This

Boston in 1768 was a city teetering on the edge. British troops enforced oppressive taxes, soldiers patrolled the streets, and freedoms once taken for granted began to slip away. Liberty Poles symbolized defiance, and the death of young Christopher Seider fueled public anger, leading to the infamous Boston Massacre. The Tea Act pushed tensions further, culminating in the Boston Tea Party and Britain’s swift retaliation with the Intolerable Acts. Instead of isolating Massachusetts, these actions united the colonies and lit the fuse for revolution. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.

Today, we’re diving into the restless spirit of the colonies that gave rise to the Marine Corps. Enlightenment ideals clashed with Britain’s post-war taxes, pushing the colonists toward rebellion. Financial strains, imposed regulations, and the growing desire for liberty united thirteen diverse colonies into a common cause. It’s a story of bold thinkers, mounting debt, and ordinary people demanding a voice. These pressures laid the foundation for a new nation and introduced a new kind of military force to the colonies: the Marine. Inspired by Enlightenment ideas, leading colonists reinforced the belief that authority should serve the people, sparking protests, boycotts, and united action. ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTri

Samuel Nicholas was born in February 1744 into a prominent Philadelphia family deeply engaged in the city's social and commercial life. Growing up among merchants, sailors, and influential thinkers, he studied at the Academy of Philadelphia, an institution guided by Benjamin Franklin's progressive educational ideals that would eventually become the University of Pennsylvania.  This episode will take a look at some of his accomplishments, such as introducing the "leatherneck" uniform, leading the Marines' first amphibious assault in the Bahamas, and supporting General Washington in key campaigns.  ************* Visit HistoryoftheMarineCorps.com to subscribe to our newsletter, explore episode notes and images, and see our references. Follow us on social media for updates and bonus content: Facebook and Twitter (@marinehistory) and Instagram (@historyofthemarines). This episode is sponsored by Audible. Visit AudibleTrial.com/marinehistory for a free audiobook and a 30-day trial.