Watchmen

by

Alan Moore

The Minutemen Term Analysis

The Minutemen are a group of masked vigilantes, founded by Captain Metropolis (Nelson Gardner) and the original Silk Spectre (Sally Jupiter) in 1939. The Minutemen represent the first generation of costumed heroes. They disband in 1949.
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The Minutemen Term Timeline in Watchmen

The timeline below shows where the term The Minutemen appears in Watchmen. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 2: Absent Friends
Heroes, Villains, and Vigilantes Theme Icon
Identity and Empowerment Theme Icon
...deal anymore. With Blake gone, Sally notes that there are only three of the original Minutemen left. Laurie is unconvinced, especially after what Jon told her that Blake did during the... (full context)
Heroes, Villains, and Vigilantes Theme Icon
Identity and Empowerment Theme Icon
Sally flashes back to a publicity photo session with the Minutemen, decades before. After the group leaves, Sally stays behind to change clothes. Edward Blake, dressed... (full context)
Heroes, Villains, and Vigilantes Theme Icon
Moralist vs. Utilitarian Ethics Theme Icon
Identity and Empowerment Theme Icon
American Corruption and Patriotism Theme Icon
...meeting to try to organize the current heroes into the Crimebusters, a follow-up to the Minutemen who disbanded in 1949. Captain Metropolis displays a map of the U.S. with various problems... (full context)
Heroes, Villains, and Vigilantes Theme Icon
Identity and Empowerment Theme Icon
...however, they were each doing some good. Hollis thinks that if they hadn’t formed the Minutemen, the heroes would’ve simply disappeared after a time and the world would be better off. (full context)
Heroes, Villains, and Vigilantes Theme Icon
American Corruption and Patriotism Theme Icon
Hollis recalls that the Minutemen formed in 1939, when Captain Metropolis convinced Sally’s agent—and later, husband—Laurence Schexnayder to organize a... (full context)
Chapter 9: The Darkness of Mere Being
Heroes, Villains, and Vigilantes Theme Icon
...Captain Metropolis writes her a letter suggesting that they team up and begin forming the Minutemen. Laurence Schexnayder proposes marriage through a letter, calling it a “viable partnership proposition.” An interview... (full context)