The name minutemen comes from the idea that they would be ready to fight with a minute's notice.[1] The force was created in response to the Massachusetts militia's failure to respond to the Powder Alarm in September 1774.[2] Unlike the general militia, which was made up of all able-bodied white men between 16 and 60, the two companies of minutemen were made up young volunteers who were paid one shilling, eight pence for their time drilling three times a week.[3][4] The other difference between the general militia and minutemen was how officers were appointed.