Military intelligence in the United States was born during both the so-called Wars of Independence of the North American colonies of Great Britain in 1776–1783 and 1812–1814. By the middle of the 20th century, a kind of informal organization (or community) of special services had formed, which included from 11 to 17 components from various departments involved in intelligence activities in the interests of the American military-political leadership. Until the end of the nineteenth century, the British national intelligence services were represented by a conglomerate of various organizations. In anticipation of the military confrontation with Germany in the early 20th century, London recognized the urgent need to create a national intelligence community of a higher level and quality for effective intelligence and counter-espionage activities, including both civilian and military structures.