Who are the United States Marines direct descendants of?

The United States Marines are directly descended from the British Royal Marines. This connection dates back to the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps in 1775, during the American Revolutionary War. The British Royal Marines served as a model for the establishment of the Corps, influencing its organization, customs, and traditions. The British Royal Marines had long been an elite fighting force, combining naval and land combat capabilities, which provided a framework for the newly formed U.S. Marines.

This historical relationship plays a significant role in the identity and operational principles of the Marine Corps, as many of their tactics and structures were inspired by British maritime warfare practices. The U.S. Marine Corps has since developed its own distinct identity and traditions, but its roots are firmly anchored in this lineage from the British Royal Marines.