27 Messidor
An CCXXXIV
War
The declaration of war in April 1792 was the fatal political mistake of the Legislative Assembly. Many deputies believed that war would strengthen the Revolution. In reality, it marked the beginning of the early end for the Legislative Assembly. Defeats, fear of betrayal and the constant external threat drove the Revolution to extremes: the fall of the monarchy, the September Massacres, the execution of the king and ever more emergency laws. In 1793, the young Republic mobilized the whole country for war. Coercion, surveillance and denunciation became part of everyday life. There is no doubt: the radical measures would not have been enforceable without the war. When the military situation improved in 1794, the Terror lost an important justification. Robespierre fell. But war remained an instrument of power. It also paved the way for Napoleon Bonaparte's rule.
1792 - 1797
- April 20, 1792 · The Legislative Assembly declares war on Austria.
- July 11, 1792 · The war is going badly for France. Parliament declares
the fatherland in danger
. - September 20, 1792 · One day before the proclamation of the Republic in Paris, the French army wins at Valmy. The immediate threat posed by Prussian-Austrian troops is thus averted for the time being.
- November 6, 1792 · Victory at Jemappes. The defensive war turns into a war of expansion.
- February 1, 1793 · A few days after the execution of the former king in Paris, the National Convention declares war on Great Britain and the Netherlands.
- March 1793 · Beginning of the uprising against the Republic in the Vendée. The French army is now also used inside the country against the enemies of the Revolution.
- August 23, 1793 · Levée en masse. All of society is placed at the service of the war.
- October 10, 1793 · The Convention declares the government revolutionary until peace is achieved.
- December 1793 · Victory at Toulon over the insurgents supported by Allied troops. The young artillery officer Napoleon Bonaparte appears on the scene for the first time.
- June 26, 1794 · Victory at Fleurus (Belgium), in which Saint-Just plays a major role. The Republic is no longer under immediate external threat. The policy of Terror thus loses an important basis for its justification. Yet it continues.
- July 27, 1794 · Fall of Robespierre, end of the Terror.
- April 5, 1795 · Peace of Basel with Prussia.
- March 2, 1796 · General Napoleon Bonaparte becomes commander-in-chief of the Army of Italy. The victorious Italian campaign makes him popular. He is now an important factor in politics.
- September 4, 1797 · Coup of 18 Fructidor. The Directory moves against royalist deputies with the help of the military and Napoleon’s support.
- October 17, 1797 · Peace of Campo Formio. End of the War of the First Coalition.
Quotes
A people who, after ten centuries of slavery, has won its freedom needs war. War is necessary to consolidate liberty.
Brissot, 16 December 1791
Art. 1. From this moment until the time when the enemies have been driven from the territory of the Republic, all French people are in permanent requisition for the service of the armies.
Decree of the National Convention, 23 August 1793
Peace ensures the liberty, prosperity, and glory of the Republic.
Napoleon Bonaparte at his solemn reception at the Luxembourg Palace after the Peace of Campo Formio, 10 December 1797
Le Moniteur
Battle of Arcole, November 1796
External links
