How the Army Became Accepted: West Point Socialization, Military Accountability, and the Nation‐State During the Jacksonian Era

Abstract

Despite contemporary rhetoric, the regular or standing army was ultimately accepted by Jacksonian politicians, the middle class, and elites, because of its growing accountability to national needs and social norms. This social‐political accountability was largely instilled at the Military Academy at West Point as reformed during the 1820s; it helped foster general civilian acceptance of a growing professional monopoly over the direction of national armed force. This process decisively enhanced national military capability, especially in the offensive power projection necessary for territorial expansion and national reunification.