Why was Congress reluctant to form a Continental Navy at the start of the war?

The reluctance of Congress to form a Continental Navy at the start of the Revolutionary War stemmed largely from the belief that land-based forces, such as cavalry, would be adequate to defend the colonies against British forces. This perception undervalued the strategic importance of naval power, particularly in terms of supply lines and the ability to control trade routes.

While there may have been various considerations, many within Congress held the view that the primary threat from Britain could be managed by land forces rather than through naval engagement. This belief was prevalent due to the fact that traditional military engagements of the time were mostly land-focused, and the colonies did not have a strong historical reliance on naval warfare.

Understanding this perspective helps clarify why Congress delayed in committing to the establishment of a dedicated naval force, even as the conflict intensified and the need for effective naval operations became more apparent.