What is recognized as the first amphibious assault in Marine Corps history?

The first amphibious assault in Marine Corps history is recognized as the operation at New Providence, Bahamas. This operation took place during the American Revolution in 1776, where Continental Marines successfully executed an amphibious landing against the British garrison. This marked a significant moment in military history, as it involved the coordinated use of naval and ground forces to achieve a strategic objective.

The successful assault at New Providence set a precedent for future amphibious operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining sea and land forces to seize territory. Understanding this event is crucial as it laid the foundation for the Marine Corps' amphibious doctrine, which has been further developed and refined throughout its history, especially in the context of later significant assaults such as Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Iwo Jima.