Why is the year 1798 significant for the Marine Corps?

The year 1798 is significant for the Marine Corps because it is when Congress established the Marine Corps as a separate military service. Prior to this, the Marines were part of the Continental Navy and had been formed in 1775. However, in 1798, the Marine Corps was formally recognized with its own identity and structure under the Department of the Navy, signifying a pivotal moment in its evolution as an independent branch of the U.S. military. This establishment allowed the Marine Corps to develop its own distinct culture, traditions, and operational doctrines that continue to be important to this day.