Napoleon’s Soldiers and their Uniforms
Like all military dictators, Bonaparte understood the martial importance of well-designed uniforms.
In the eighteenth century, the armies of Europe were dressed according to the accepted military fashion of the time, which was, to a large extent, based on the style worn by civilians.
The wide-skirted coat and tricorn hat was not only the uniform of the soldier but also the dress of most of the male population of the civilized world.
From the end of the seventeenth century until the French Revolution, the various countries had developed their own national colours for uniforms, and although the cavalry and certain other units wore a variety of colours irrespective of nationality, the red-coated British infantry were easily distinguished from the white or blue of their almost permanent adversaries, the French.
In 1791, when the National Assembly assumed power in France, a period of considerable confusion begins for the student of the French Army.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
