If the United States were to fall, would it be from an outside force or because we destroyed ourselves from the inside?

History lesson on Lincoln
Later our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln said this while working as an Attorney in Illinois. Prior to his career in law, Lincoln served as a Captain in the Illinois Militia during the Black Hawk War (Indian Wars) where he was elected to command a Rifle Company of the 31st Regiment of Militia of Sangamon County, 1st Division. Captain Lincoln's Company was Federalized and served with the 4th Regiment Mounted Volunteers under Brigadier General Samuel Whiteside of the Illinois Militia. After the Battle of Stillman's Run, Captain Lincoln's Company was mustered out of service. Lincoln then re-enlisted as a Private in Captain Elijah Iles' Company, Private Lincoln would then serve under Captain Jacob Early's independent spy company which would also be Federalized and ordered to report to Brevet Brigadier General Hugh Brady (Colonel). After the Battle of Kellogg's Grove, Private Lincoln would once again find himself mustered out of service. Brevet Brigadier General Henry Atkinson (Colonel), Commander of U.S. Forces during the Black Hawk War ordered Captain Early's Company among others mustered out of service as he had too many Soldiers under his command. This time Lincoln would not re-enlist.

Though he never saw combat, Lincoln did witness the effects of warfare of his era. When his units arrived on the battlefield it was to bury the dead and gather resources. The Black Hawk War lasted 5 months in 1832, and Lincoln served for 3 months as a Captain and then as a Private. We can guess at his pay based on the pay of a Private in the Union Army during the Civil War, which was $11/month in 1861. During the Civil War those that enlisted in the Militia or in the Regular Army received a bonus of around $300. It is unknown if Lincoln received a bonus for enlisting but we do know he received a total of 280 acres of land for his service which was common among service members of the era.

It probably won't be actual attacks per say Erich, but look at history. 1. Greece 2. Rome 3. Ital 4. Germany 5. Spain- numerous countries which failed for the inside, citizens not caring letting aliens guard their borders, letting tyrants supersede the normal gov't, etc.

SGM Bill Frazer - I am too optimistic a person to believe that would happen to the United States. I've always been pleasantly surprised on how Americans pull together and step away from the edge of the cliff in the past or for that matter during just about any adversity that befalls us. A lot of people slam Congress these days as well. I work in support of a major branch of government (second time in my IT career). Congress really, really did a good job of oversight to see that we would have more than a decent chance if the country fell under Nuclear attack. Very through plans on continuity of government and financial / economic systems.