In what year were the first two Marine Corps battalions authorized by Congress?

The first two Marine Corps battalions were authorized by Congress in 1775, marking a significant moment in U.S. military history. This year is recognized as the establishment of the Continental Marines, which played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War. The authorization was part of the need for a naval infantry force capable of conducting operations in support of the fledgling United States Navy.

The significance of 1775 lies in its foundational role for the Marine Corps, as these initial battalions set the stage for the development and growth of the Marine Corps as a vital arm of the U.S. military. This early establishment reflects the importance of the Marines in naval operations and amphibious assaults, which are core functions of the Marine Corps to this day. Subsequent years noted in the other choices—1783, 1791, and 1812—did not involve the establishment of new battalions but instead pertain to different events in military history, like post-war restructuring or conflicts that followed the founding year.