The development of the National Guard of Washington as an instrument of social control, 1854-1916

Abstract

As a first-line reserve to the United States Army, the National Guard today occupies a major position in the national military establishment. As one of the executive departments of the State of Washington, it occupies a major position in state government. Immediately prior to World War I, the Military Department had become one of the largest of the state's institutions. Its personnel and property were distributed throughout the state, and it managed and controlled at least as many buildings and as much land as any other state institution.