Osprey Men-at-Arms 237 : French Army 1870-1871 Franco-Prussian War (2) : Republican Troops

The capitulation of Napoleon III and his army at Sedan in September 1870 shook Paris to its foundations. It seemed incredible that a French army of over 100,000 men could have been surrounded and forced to surrender. The effects were felt almost immediately: the Second Empire was swept from power, and a Government of National Defence hastily put in its place. Providing the Germans were prepared to forego any territorial advantage, the new government felt confident that the French people would be more than happy to see peace restored. Unfortunately sentiments in the German camp were clearly in favour of imposing on the enemy a humiliation which they felt was well deserved. In truth, however, the French were still far from convinced the war was lost. Sedan was widely seen as the defeat of an unpopular Imperial regime and its private army, rather than that of France itself. Considerable resources still remained untapped, and many felt that as long as the Germans remained intransigent the fight could and should be continued. To replace the professional army a 'war of the people' was called for. The reaction was mixed. Many, particularly in central and southern France, were profoundly indifferent to the war, which they regarded as Paris' problem. The clash between the officials of the old and new regimes was also damaging. Nevertheless, thanks largely due to the intervention of Gambetta, the Interior minister, the massive problems facing the country were tackled - if not ultimately overcome - and the war kept going for a further five months. Text by Stephen Shann and Louis Delperier with illustrations by Richard Hook and Christa Hook.

Contents

• Introduction
• The Regular Army
• Chronology
• L'Armee D'Afrique
• La Garde Nationale Mobile
• La Garde Nationale
• Naval Forces
• The Francs-Tireurs
• The High Command
• Weapons
• Standards
• The Plates