Introduction

Paret referred to this period as a “military revolution”; more recently, however, the term Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) has been applied to periods where social, political, and economic change altered the nature and scope of warfare. This term, while appreciated from a policy perspective, has led to intense historiographical debates, particularly revolving around the question of continuity or change to the dynamics of war. Advocates for revolution or evolution during the Napoleonic era point clearly to the introduction of national conscription in 1793, and its institutionalization in 1798, as a central part of the RMA of 1789-1815.2 The creation of a “national army” in France unleashed forces that their monarchical opponents were loath to consider. Nevertheless, all parties were compelled to consider options when facing an enemy whose armies managed to achieve significant victories as early as autumn 1792.