National Guard

The National Guard was established on 13 July 1789, one day before the storming of the Bastille. It originated as a militia in Paris and expanded throughout France to consist of middle-class citizens. Lafayette, an influential figure of the French Revolution, was appointed its first commander.

The primary role of the National Guard was to maintain order during times of unrest. It functioned both as a safeguard for revolutionary ideals and as a stabilizing force amidst the chaos. The Guard consisted primarily of bourgeois members (the emerging middle class), which enabled it to act as a counterbalance to both the royalist forces and the more radical elements of the revolution.

In the early phases of the French Revolution, the National Guard was tasked with defending the Constitutional Assembly from counter-revolutionary forces. The Guard also took part in the Women's March on Versailles in October 1789, applying pressure on King Louis XVI to accede to their demands and move to Paris. This event symbolized the increasing influence and power of the National Guard.

During the radical phase of the French Revolution, the Guard's allegiances became more complex. The organization found itself caught between moderates, like the Girondins, and radicals, such as the Jacobins and the sans-culottes. Despite its originally moderate stance, parts of the National Guard participated in the execution of the king and the subsequent reign of revolutionary terror.

The public perception of the National Guard varied significantly over the course of the French Revolution. Initially, it was seen as a protector of the people and revolutionary liberties. However, as political factions within the revolution became more polarized, the Guard's role also shifted. Its involvement in quelling insurrections led to mixed reputations.

By 1795, during the Thermidorian Reaction (which marked the fall of Robespierre), the National Guard was instrumental in suppressing uprisings and restoring a semblance of order. Nevertheless, the influence of the Guard began to wane, and it was eventually replaced by other military organizations under Napoleon Bonaparte's rule after the establishment of the Consulate in 1799.

The National Guard's contribution to the French Revolution highlights the complexities of civil-military relations during periods of political upheaval. Its evolution from a force of moderation and protection to one entangled in later revolutionary excesses provides insight into the shifting dynamics and allegiances that define revolutionary movements.

• The National Guard was formed on 13 July 1789, one day before the storming of the Bastille, as a response to the growing unrest and need for security in Paris.
• Initially composed mainly of bourgeois citizens, the National Guard was led by famed revolutionary Lafayette, who was a prominent figure in both the American and French revolutions.
• Unlike the royal army, which was loyal to the monarchy, the National Guard was intended to protect the rights of the citizens and uphold revolutionary ideals.
• The National Guard played a crucial role in the early days of the Revolution, particularly during the Women's March on Versailles on 5 October 1789, which aimed to address food shortages and royal excess.
• At its peak, the National Guard numbered around 500,000 troops, reflecting the widespread enthusiasm for revolutionary ideals across France.
• The colors of the National Guard – red, white, and blue – were later adopted as the colors of the French flag, symbolizing liberty, equality, and fraternity.