L'armée de l'an II : la levée en masse et la création d'un mythe républicain

Abstract

Alan Forrest, The Army of the Year II in modern memory : the levée-en-masse and the creation of a republican myth The armies of the French Revolution would be a key point of reference for future generations, and would be characterised by a range of different and complementary qualities - by the fact of conscription, of course, the equality of all before the draft, and the requirement to serve in person ; but also human qualities of flair, enthusiasm, generosity of spirit, and patriotism. The soldier is spared the criticism that is reserved for political figures ; he does not share their responsibilities, and continues to enjoy a positive image under such different regimes as the July Monarchy, the Second Empire and the Third Republic. But which is the army that is being remembered ? How is it remembered by future generations ? And why does the myth of the levée en masse, of the response to the call of the patrie en danger, prove so resilient ? This article traces the evolution of the army in public memory, examining the different depictions of the army and of the nation-in-arms that are encountered during the nineteenth century.