Comparing and Contrasting the US Army: 1812 vs. 1846

Similarities:

• Small Regular Army: Both pre-war forces were relatively small compared to other nations. In 1812, the US Army had roughly 7,000 regulars, while in 1846, it stood at around 15,000.
• Reliance on Militia: Both wars heavily relied on citizen-soldiers known as militia. They formed the bulk of the fighting force, despite their lack of training and discipline compared to regulars.
• Leadership Challenges: Both wars witnessed challenges with military leadership. The War of 1812 was plagued by political interference and indecisive commanders, while the Mexican War saw instances of personal rivalries and conflicting strategies.
• Motivation: Patriotism and national pride fueled both conflicts. Soldiers fought for the young nation’s independence and territorial expansion.

Differences:

• Experience: The pre-Mexican War army had more battle-tested veterans on hand, having fought Native American uprisings and the Seminole Wars. This provided experience and leadership compared to the largely untested force of 1812.
• Modernization: By 1846, the army had adopted some modern advancements like breech-loading rifles and new artillery pieces, increasing firepower compared to the muskets and smoothbore cannons of 1812.
• Logistics: The Mexican War involved longer campaigns in harsh terrain, prompting improvements in logistics and supply chains compared to the shorter, localized actions of the War of 1812.
• Political Landscape: The War of 1812 was fought while the young nation faced internal divisions and external threats like impressment. The Mexican War enjoyed more national unity and a clear objective of territorial acquisition.

Factors for Change:

• Military Reforms: Following the shortcomings exposed in the War of 1812, reforms like the West Point Academy improved officer training and standardized tactics. Increased funding also expanded the regular army.
• Technological Advancements: The development of new weapons and transportation technology influenced military strategy and logistics.
• Professionalization: The army gradually transitioned from a reliance on militia to a more professional standing force, emphasizing discipline and training.
• National Expansion: The desire for westward expansion drove military engagement with Native Americans and later, Mexico, shaping the army’s experience and focus.

In conclusion, while both periods saw a relatively small, militia-reliant US Army, the pre-Mexican War force benefited from veteran experience, modernization, and a clearer political context. These changes resulted from reforms, technological advancements, and the nation’s evolving military needs.