History of Martial Law in the U.S
In American history, periods when a military force ruled over a territory, state, city, or the entire country are referred to as periods of martial law. Since both the US President and the US Congress have the authority to command the militia, they can both establish martial law nationally, although with specific restrictions. The governor of each state has the authority to declare martial law inside its boundaries.
In the United States, martial law has been applied in very few situations, like:
- In New Orleans during the Battle of New Orleans; following significant tragedies like the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
- The 1906 San Francisco earthquake, or during riots like the 1919 Omaha race riot.
- The 1920 Lexington riots.
- Local leaders have imposed martial law in places like Nauvoo, Illinois, during the Illinois Mormon War, or Utah during the Utah War, to protect themselves from mob violence; or in response to the chaos brought on by protests and rioting in Hawaii following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
- In 1934 West Coast waterfront strike, and during the Civil Rights Movement in reaction to the Cambridge riot of 1963.
Martial Law
Martial law is the suspension of civilian legal procedures in favor of military authority and the replacement of civilian administration with military rule. Normal civil freedoms may be suspended while martial law is in effect, either for a predetermined period of time or indefinitely. Martial law is typically imposed during times of conflict and/or natural disasters and civil unrest. In the event of a military coup, martial law may be imposed as an alternative.
In this article, you will learn about everything related to martial law, its meaning, and the history of martial law in the US and India.
Table of Content
- What is Martial Law?
- What Happens During Martial Law?
- Declaration of Martial Law
- History of Martial Law in the U.S
- Background of Martial Law in the U.S.
- Martial Law History in India
- Declaration of Martial law in the Indian Constitution
- Key Aspects of Martial Law