Militia is a military force composed of citizens who are either members of a Reserve, National Guard, or a paramilitary organization that does not form a part of a professional military force Members of the militia are usually drawn from the local population and have no professional military training. The purpose of the militia is usually to provide defense for its citizens in times of war, natural disasters, or other emergencies.
Militia forces are a centuries-old tradition, and although they typically don't take part in large-scale wars, they have played a pivotal role during some of the most significant moments in history. Here are some of the most fascinating examples of militia throughout history:
1. The Minutemen of the American Revolution: The Minutemen were a local militia formed in the American colonies during the Revolutionary War. They were a group of volunteer soldiers who were ready to fight at a moment’s notice, hence their name. The Minutemen played a significant role in the battles of Lexington and Concord, and helped to force the British army to retreat.
2. The Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya: In 1952, a rebel militia known as the Mau Mau began a violent uprising against Britain’s colonial rule of Kenya. The Mau Mau militia was composed of Kikuyu, Embu and Meru people, who had previously been oppressed by British settlers. After a bitter five-year campaign, the Mau Mau rebels were successful in forcing Britain’s withdrawal from Kenya.
3. The National Liberation Army in Colombia: The National Liberation Army (ELN) is a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla militia in Colombia that has been fighting the Colombian government since 1964. The ELN is composed of local peasants, students and intellectuals, and has grown stronger over the years. While the ELN has been accused of committing a number of human rights violations, they have been successful in carrying out a number of strikes and protests on behalf of Colombia’s rural poor.
4. The Nicaraguan Contras: The Nicaraguan Contras were a right-wing rebel militia who fought against the communist government of Nicaragua in the 1980s. The Contras were primarily composed of former members of the Nicaraguan National Guard, and were supported by the U.S. government in their fight against the Sandinista government. The Contras managed to force the Sandinista government to hold a democratic election in 1990, in which they were defeated.
5. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC): The FARC is a left-wing guerrilla militia in Colombia that has been fighting the Colombian government since 1964. The FARC is composed of local peasants, and unlike the ELN, it has never been successful in forcing the Colombian government to any major concessions. However, the FARC have made history by negotiating a peace agreement with the Colombian government in 2016.
With these five examples, it is clear to see the important role that militia forces have played throughout history. These groups have often served to defend their homes and countries against oppressive governments, and have fought for the rights of the oppressed people of various nations.