The Provisional Army of the United States was created in response to the quasi-war with France, which began in the late 1790s. Heightened by fears of invasion and internal strife, Congress authorized the formation of this army in 1798 as a temporary measure to bolster national defense. The Provisional Army consisted of local militias and volunteers who were summoned to active duty, reflecting the early Republic's concern over external threats and its limited standing military framework. Its establishment represented a significant expansion of federal military power during a time characterized by skepticism toward a standing army, rooted in revolutionary ideals.

By June 1800, the international landscape had shifted, leading to a decrease in tensions with France. The Adams administration, keen on promoting a spirit of peace and economy, recognized the necessity to scale back military forces. As the threat diminished, the decision was made to dissolve the Provisional Army, effectively disbanding its forces and returning to a normal state of military readiness, which relied heavily on local militias and the existing United States Army.

This action was a vital aspect of the broader military reforms and budgetary policies of the time, aiming to reduce unnecessary expenditures. The dissolution signified an era where the U.S. recognized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to national defense while adhering to foundational republican principles denouncing a large standing army. The shift not only reflected military and political strategies but also resonated with the public sentiment favoring limited government and military restraint.