ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Militia (British Dominions and Crown Colonies)

Okay kiddo, let me explain the idea of a militia to you. Imagine you and your friends want to protect your playground from bullies and strangers. You all start a group and decide to always be ready to defend your playground. That's exactly what a militia is - a group of regular people who gather to protect themselves and their community.

Now, in the past, many countries, including some British dominions and crown colonies, used militias to defend themselves from enemies or to keep the peace. These militias were made up of everyday citizens who were trained to use weapons and fight in case of an emergency.

For example, let's take Canada. In Canada, every able-bodied man between the ages of 16 and 60 was required to join the militia in the 19th century. The militia was responsible for defending the country during war or civil unrest. They were also used to keep the peace and help during natural disasters.

Other British colonies, like Australia, also had militias. They were called the volunteer defense corps and were created during World War II. People volunteered to join this corps and help defend Australia if the country was ever invaded. They were trained in basic military tactics and were provided with weapons if needed.

Overall, a militia is a group of concerned citizens who want to help protect their community and country. They receive some training and are ready to act in case of an emergency or threat. Some countries still have militias today, while others rely on their military or police forces to provide protection.