The First Coalition and the Levée en Masse

In early 1793 France found itself at war with most of Europe. The Convention declared war on Britain and the Dutch Republic on 1 February, and Spain joined soon after, forming with Austria, Prussia and others what historians call the First Coalition. Defeats followed: General Dumouriez lost at Neerwinden in March and then defected to the Austrians. Facing invasion, the Convention on 23 August 1793 decreed the levée en masse, declaring that all French people were in permanent requisition for the army.

Young unmarried men were conscripted, while others were to make weapons, supplies and bandages. Lazare Carnot organised the vast new armies. By 1794 France had one of the largest armies Europe had seen, and victories such as Fleurus in June 1794 turned the tide. The levée is often seen as an early step toward 'total war', mobilising a whole society for conflict.