in the war of 1812, the united states militia, because of a lack of discipline and poor training, were often routed in battle on open ground by british regulars. they fared better and proved more reliable when protected behind defensive entrenchments and fixed fortifications, as was effectively shown at plattsburgh, baltimore, and new orleans. because of their overall ineffectiveness and failure during the war, militias were not adequate for the national defense. military budgets were greatly increased at this time and a smaller, standing federal army, rather than states' militias, was deemed better for the national defense.