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Why did they bother with a navy? They could have just kept a token militia force at home and relied on “free trade” with everybody, including their potential enemies, and everyone would have been rich and happy. /s

"Why did they bother with a navy? They could have just kept a token militia force at home and relied on “free trade” with everybody, including their potential enemies, and everyone would have been rich and happy. /s"

Sure, just like America's Founding Fathers, right? ;-)

USS Constitution:

awarded: 1794 under under "isolationist" Founding Father, President Washington.

launched: 1797 under "pacifist" Founding Father, President Adams.

cost: $302,000 equivalent in terms of today's GDP & government revenues to $13 billion!

Sent to fight Barbary Pirates in North Africa: 1803 by that well known "non-interventionist" President Jefferson.

Used to fight the Brits: War of 1812, by that "peace loving" President Madison.