What legislative action created the Marine Corps?

The Marine Corps was established by a resolution of the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775. This act was a direct response to the need for naval forces that could conduct operations on land and sea, particularly during the Revolutionary War. The resolution called for the creation of two battalions of Marines, marking the foundation of the United States Marine Corps as an essential branch of the military designed to provide versatile and capable troops for various combat scenarios.

The correct answer reflects the historical context in which the Marine Corps was formed, highlighting the significant role that legislative bodies played in shaping the military structure of the emergent United States. This choice underscores the importance of Congressional decisions in establishing military forces, which continued throughout American history.