development of weaponry (FRW)

• Muskets and socket bayonets?

  Most armies reliant on them, no stand out developments
• Amended artillery?


  More lighter artillery based on Gribeauvals theory- key role in French victory at Valmy 1792 where the superior French artillery cannons subdued the Prussians and forced them to retreat. Lodi 1796 French artillery able to batter Austrains through a devastating cannonade (continuous heavy bombardment).
• Evidence to support view weaponry played an important role in the outcome of FRW?

  • The FR Armies benefitted from having lighter artillery at their disposal. Allowed them more mobility – giving them chance to move artillery around battlefield as it progressed
  • The new lighter artillery guns were used effectively at Valmy in 1792 and led to the Prussian withdrawal from French territory
  • The French recovery at Toulon in 1793 was greatly influenced by the accuracy and rate of fire of the new French artillery guns
• Evidence to support the view that weaponry played an important role in the outcome of the FRW?

  • New lighter artillery guns also played a significant role in the Italian Campaign, eg Lodi 1796
  • General de Gribeauval’s reforms meant that artillery was standardised in terms of calibre and ammo. This greatly improved reliability of the weapon without compromising the range
  • As a result of the reforms, rate of fire was increased and also allowed for canons to be grouped together – making them more dangerous
• Evidence that other factors played a more important role in determining the outcome of the FRW?

  • Tactics: used many shock tactics to storm enemy strongholds. Also made use of attack columns, like human battering rams, to break enemy lines. Caused heavy losses their enemy’s couldn’t sustain
  • QS: levee en masse- could assemble huge numbers on battlefield, outnumbering enemies. 1794- 600,000 men, compared to 90,000 Prussian men
  • Morale: ‘nation in arms’ spirit meant that soldiers were well-motivated and believed in their cause. Allowed for large casualties (20% before considering a retreat)
• Evidence to support the view that other factors played a more important role in determining the outcome of the FRW?

  • Greater organisation: the use of divisions allowed the Revolutionary Armies to attack from different directions
  • Greater organisation: divisions that were able to manoeuvre around the battlefield played a significant role in the outcome of many battles. The combination of infantry, cavalry and artillery gave more flexibility. This also allowed the armies to expand and draw resources from a wider area
  • Generalship (in last FRW case study)