History of the United States I / Unit 7 USH1 0923 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Bowdoin's Private Army
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The idea
Governor James Bowdoin raised a private army of forty-four hundred men, funded by wealthy Boston merchants, without the approval of the legislature.
In practice
Rebels defeated trying to seize the federal armoury at Springfield in January seventeen eighty-seven.
Where people slip
Officials could use deadly force without fear of prosecution, and militiamen who refused to serve would be executed. Eighteen died overall.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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