ABSTRACT
The French military of the ancien régime laid the foundations for armies (and navies) of both the French Revolution and Napoleon. Little changed during the Revolution as to the armies ’ organization, weapons, tactics, and strategy. It was the same with Napoleon, except for the introduction of the corps. His forte was using everything better than anyone ever had, and taking great liberties with tactics (as great commanders always have). 1 Of course, armies grew in size after the introduction of national conscription (the levée en masse, 1793).
