The French Invasions

Abstract

The Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars in German Central Europe were not merely a military but also a civilian experience. Unlike most British civilians, Austrian and German people of all social classes did not only experience the war vicariously, through print media and iconography. Their relationship to the struggle was far more intimate. Their villages were invaded, their towns and cities besieged, occasionally stormed, and occupied. Refugees fled the encroaching armies, but many more were trapped between the warring forces. The most unfortunate found their communities the focal point of battle. The most famous example was Leipzig in 1813, but many smaller urban centres suffered in the same manner. On the other hand, while many fled before the advancing armies, others, including soldiers’ wives, sutlers and camp followers, trailed in their wake. They too could find themselves on the battlefield. After the fighting was over, civilians were involved in the transport and care of the wounded or could be found burying or, less respectfully, stripping the dead.