In 1783 the Continental Army disbanded. This meant that the US had no united, national force to protect against foreign powers, particularly Spain to the south and west as well as Indians on the frontier. In addition, the Americans could not remove British from forts around the Great Lakes. Domestic unrest could also not be dealt with due to a lack of military presence. America also did not have a navy which left American trade ships without protection from pirates. This was damaging to trade.

Under Constitution a new national army was formed which could quash rebellious behaviour such as the Whisky Rebellion of 1794. Also the nation could form a new national navy.