In what year was the Department of the Navy founded?

The Department of the Navy was founded in the year 1798. The establishment aimed to provide necessary organizational structure and oversight for naval operations, especially during a time of conflict with France known as the Quasi-War. This was pivotal for the United States as it recognized the importance of a dedicated naval force for the protection of its interests and to enhance its maritime capabilities.

The other years mentioned, while significant in their own right, do not correspond to the establishment of the Department of the Navy. The year 1775 marked the beginning of the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary War, while 1789 is associated with the establishment of the federal government under the Constitution, leading to the eventual creation of various departments but not specifically the Navy. The year 1801 does not hold relevance for the founding of the Department of the Navy, as it came three years after its official establishment. Thus, 1798 stands out as the year that directly corresponds to the founding of the Department of the Navy.