Founding of the AcademyWhen considering the origin of our nation's first military institution, it is important to realize that the American Revolution greatly influenced its design and founding . As a looming country oppressed by the world's most powerful empire, our independence was not achieved easily. America's lack of military expertise, including an insufficient number of competent and experienced military leaders, has proven to be one formidable disadvantage among many. But America did not fight this revolution alone. After victory at the Battle of Saratoga, they obtained much-needed foreign aid, which included money, munitions, and professional soldiers and engineers who strengthened the Continental Army and militias, as well as their fortifications. Foreign aid was crucial to the success of the Continental Army and its cause. The Continental Congress realized that it was necessary to rely on foreign supplies to effectively combat the British forces. Shortly after the United States declared independence from Great Britain, diplomats negotiated a secret alliance with French authorities. (History-French alliance) Thereafter, the French provided supplies, money, weapons and especially professional soldiers and sailors to help with land and naval support. These resources have proven vitally important in offsetting America's many tangible disadvantages. It can be argued, however, that with America's many advantages, such as its primary defensive role, its great leadership, and, most importantly, its cause, they could have won the War for Independence without foreign intervention, but this is not not the question. The fact is that the United States, with the help of additional resources, was able to defeat the British much more effectively. The most important assets commanded by the Continental Army were foreign men who were