Levee en Masse

Definition

Levee en Masse refers to the mass conscription of French citizens into the military during the French Revolution, specifically enacted in August 1793. This policy was a response to the urgent need for soldiers to defend France from external threats and internal uprisings, marking a significant shift in the nature of warfare and citizen involvement in the military. It transformed the French army into a people's army, emphasizing the concept of national service and collective responsibility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Levee en Masse was first proposed by Lazare Carnot, who emphasized the need for a large, mobilized army to protect revolutionary ideals.
2. This conscription law required all able-bodied men to join the military, which significantly increased the size of the French army from around 300,000 to nearly 1.5 million soldiers.
3. The policy not only aimed to defend against foreign invasions but also sought to instill revolutionary fervor and unity among the populace.
4. The Levee en Masse contributed to the rise of total war concepts, where entire nations were mobilized for conflict rather than just professional armies.
5. By involving citizens in military service, it helped foster a sense of national identity and commitment to the revolutionary cause.

Review Questions

• How did the Levee en Masse change the composition and structure of the French military during the Revolution?
  • The Levee en Masse fundamentally transformed the French military by introducing mass conscription that required all able-bodied men to serve. This shift created a larger and more diverse army composed of ordinary citizens rather than just professional soldiers. As a result, it fostered a sense of national unity and engagement among the populace, as they collectively participated in defending their country and revolutionary ideals.
• Discuss the impact of Levee en Masse on French society and its perception of military service during the Revolution.
  • Levee en Masse had a profound impact on French society by integrating military service into the concept of citizenship. It elevated military duty as a civic responsibility, encouraging individuals to see themselves as defenders of revolutionary values. This shift not only increased participation in armed conflict but also led to a broader acceptance of sacrifice for the nation, thereby solidifying nationalist sentiments during this tumultuous period.
• Evaluate how Levee en Masse reflects broader changes in warfare and society during the late 18th century and its implications for future conflicts.
  • Levee en Masse exemplifies broader changes in warfare by transitioning from professional armies to mass citizen involvement, paving the way for modern concepts of total war. This mass mobilization highlighted the growing relationship between state and citizenry, as governments began to rely on entire populations for military support. The implications were significant, influencing future conflicts where nations would mobilize their populations for war, establishing a precedent for conscription and national armies that shaped military practices well into the 19th and 20th centuries.

Related terms

Nationalism:

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often leading to a desire for self-governance and national independence.

Committee of Public Safety:

A powerful political body during the French Revolution that played a crucial role in overseeing the war effort and implementing policies like the Levee en Masse.

Citizen-soldier: A term used to describe ordinary citizens who serve as soldiers, reflecting the idea that military service is a duty of citizenship.