The law required all single men who reached 20 years of age to be eligible for conscription for 5 years. The 1798 Jourdan Act stated: "Any Frenchman is a soldier and owes himself to the defense of the nation". Universal conscription in the modern sense originated during the French Revolution, when the nation needed stronger military forces, initially to defend the country against counter-revolutionary multi-national invasion and subsequently to expand its ideas throughout Europe. Switzerland (neutral country, separated by mountains) and in Britain (separated from her enemies by sea), was not enough. In this situation accepting only small number, but highly trained, volunteers as it was in Such huge force was necessary as France had several powerful and aggressive enemies on land Russia, Prussia andĪustria all had large armies. The French infantry was the most numerous infantry in the western World in that time. And artillery training was much more complicated than in cavalry and infantry. Cannons, howitzers and mortars were even more expensive than horses. Horses were expensive and required training. The infantrymen were the easiest to train and the cheapest to equip. Infantry fielded throughout the wars of 1792-1815."ĭuring the Napoleonic Wars the infantry formed the backbone of all European armies. In Europe in 1805, and perhaps even the finest "The French infantry was indisputably the finest Round to drink the Emperor's health." - Jean Barres, infantry officer in 1813 It is none the less keen and intoxicating. The regreat caused by the loss of so many good and valiant comrades, "I suppose there are no finer moments in life than the evening of a day "This terrible Napoleon and his infantry, "It is well known with what gallantry the officers leadĪnd with what vehemence the troops follow. French Infantry : Uniforms : Organization : Weapons : Tactics
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