Napoleonic Warfare After The French Revolution

Words: 790
Pages: 4
Open Document
Before the French Revolution, the idea of belonging to a broader unit than a village, region, or estate was limited. The political structure of monarchies and aristocracies segregated populations into designated and dispersed social classes. Social reforms, led by the enlightenment ideas of nationalism and patriotism, unified the citizens of France against the aristocratic government. The Napoleonic Wars that followed the revolution sought to spread the social idea of nationalism across Europe. Nationalism became more than an idea, but a powerful political doctrine that militarily mobilized the masses to achieve political purposes. Warfare changed increasing in size and scope. Clausewitz described Napoleonic Warfare as “there seemed …show more content…
Revolutionary France viewed every citizen equally with the duty of serving the nation, which the revolutionary government demonstrated by decreeing levee en masse in August 1793 and subsequently established the Jourdan Law in 1798. Levee en masse and the 1798 Jourdan Law established the means to fielding and equipping unimaginably large armies. These legislations capitalized on the social movement and made a large Army that accurately reflected French society in terms of social class, occupations, and geographical origin. Napoleon’s marshals came from diverse backgrounds indicating that even the officer corps represented the entirety of French society. For example, Andre Massena was a smuggler, Jean-Baptiste Bessieres a barber, Guillaume Brune a lawyer, Nicolas Oudinot a brewer, Jean-de-Dieu Soult a baker, Edouard Mortier a farmer, and Louis-Gabriel Suchet a silk worker. The diverse backgrounds of France’s senior military leaders is representation of another French Revolution social development that changed military affairs; promotions based off …show more content…
The strongest situational characteristic that substitutes for leadership is the existence of tasks or ideals that are intrinsically satisfying. A citizen, or soldier, who is intrinsically motivated, is more dependable and effective in achieving positive results. Revolutionary France’s patriotic troops and professional officers were willing to live lean, whom did not require an extensive sustainment system. France’s Army implemented a new requisition principle, “la guerre nourrit la guerre, or to know how to draw supplies from the country you occupy.” The new supply system meant that France’s Army could disperse over a wider area and move faster than their advisories giving them a marked advantage. Nationalism, which fueled the French Revolution, also became an accelerant for the French Army intrinsically motivating every soldier as an instrument spreading its ideals across Europe. The citizens and soldiers of France believed in spreading nationalism to such an extent that they willingly and repeatedly subjected themselves to
Show More

Related Documents: Napoleonic Warfare After The French Revolution

Revolutionary War Research Paper

centuries, a series of conflicts dominated Europe. These conflicts had its influence on the Europe at that time but the wars of Napoleon had the most lasting impact on western warfare. The explosion of French revolution in 1789 is regarded today as an important event in modern history. Different aspects of the French revolution influenced the world affairs today. Therefore, war is an action…

Words 1667 - Pages 7

Historic Paradigm vs Modern Might Essay

Civilizations Mr. Martz December 10, 2012 Historic Paradigm Vs. Modern Might The French Army under Napoleon is considered one of the mightiest armies to have marched on this earth. Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769. He was a French military and political leader in the last half of the French revolution, and to some, the best tactician history has ever seen. Napoleonic tactics were used until far after they became impractical. They were used in the American Civil War, the Austro-Prussian…

Words 2256 - Pages 10

Napoleonic Wars Essay

an egotistic ambition is definitely questionable in regards to Napoleon. Napoleonic French scholar Jean Tulard comments that Napoleon strategically conquered France, but had always planned to eventually conquer Europe. His ravenous vision of power and control was especially exposed in his mission to gain a higher position in society. French historian and politician, Adolphe Thiers writing about the Empire from 1823-1827 after Napoleon’s second abdication in July 1815, supports this statement. Thiers…

Words 1602 - Pages 7

Essay Napoleon: Louis Xvi of France and Napoleon

Napoleon Revolution comes with the progression of freedoms and the equality of people. Parity among people is essential for the advancement of a government. Governance is also vital to any movement towards alteration within an organised civilisation. Napoleon’s part in the French revolution is a good example of the necessity of leadership. Until Napoleon came, no one was able to successfully improve the French government. Napoleon’s political ambitions enabled society to progress under his leadership…

Words 626 - Pages 3

Napoleon Bonaparte Essay

Napoleon Bonaparte Napoleon was born in August 15, 1769 in Ajaccio, Corsica in Italy. He was born into a family on noble Italian ancestry. Since France owns the island that Napoleon lives on he is a French citizen. In May 17, 1779 Napoleon goes to military school. Napoleon a few years later graduates from Ecole Militarie in Paris as a second lieutenant. Than in December 22,1793 Napoleon earns a promotion to brigadier general. Napoleon is made chief of the army of the interior, the promotion also…

Words 2060 - Pages 9

Ap World History Chapter 1 Essay

political theorists enticing nationalism is Bismarck's theory of realpolitik. By putting aside their differences in ideology, they were more easily able to unify alike states (such as Italy and Germany)” True? “Class importance was significantly increased after the industrialization, and the capitalist boom that occurred later. The Bourgeoisie owned factories while the lower class was forced to live off the iron law of wages. The lower classes became aware of this and it led to class conflict” Is “leading…

Words 1074 - Pages 5

A Brief Summary of the American Revolution Essay example

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 1. Locke held that government arose in the remote past when people decided to work together, form civil society, and appoint rulers to protect and promote their common interests. Individuals granted political rights to their rulers but retained personal rights to life, liberty, and property. Any ruler who violated these rights was subject to deposition. 2. The colonists wanted to gain independence from Britain. 3. Britain enjoyed many advantages over the rebels: a strong…

Words 1318 - Pages 6

Essay on French Revolution Notes 3

French Revolution Study Guide Old Order – Frances hereditary class system - class born into, remain in. Estate – all French people belonged to one of three. Determined legal rights and status First Estate – Clergy Catholic clergy (religious leaders) No taxes Lived in great style Second Estate – Nobles Old royalty, land owners @2% of pop. Own 25% of land, don’t pay taxes Special social and political privileges (high positions in govt, church, army) Lived in great style Income from peasants that…

Words 1172 - Pages 5

Essay on Bad History Notes

Revolution Violent political events Disrupt social and political status quo Affect the government political control over assignment Triggered by extraordinary set of events or a sudden event The making has usually been happening for a while Often have repercussions on political, social, intellectual, economic, and cultural The message of a revolution usually moves from one country to another by uncontrollable dynamics Often triggered by one or many people Control of the revolution is almost…

Words 5402 - Pages 22

A Note On Monotheism

forced Native Americans into a kind of slavery | encomiendas | belief that the power of rule came by God; Louis, Peter, Frederick, and the Stuarts believed in this | divine right | type of monarch who has complete power | absolute | French Protestants…

Words 2763 - Pages 12