Toulon 1793: Napoleon's First Great Victory

In August 1793 of the French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802), Republican France teetered on the brink of collapse. On every front her enemies' armies swept forward across her borders – the very survival of the Revolution itself was at stake. In Toulon, the strategically vital home port of France's Mediterranean fleet, a coup had overthrown the Republican government and handed over the city to the blockading British navy. In this, perhaps her darkest hour, France's saviour was at hand in the shape of a Captain of Artillery whose name all Europe would soon know - Napoleon Bonaparte. This title describes the Republican victory at Toulon that not only saved the Revolution but also saw the young Napoleon Bonaparte begin his meteoric rise to power.

In August 1793 Republican France teetered on the brink of collapse. On every front her enemies' armies swept forwards across her borders – the very survival of the Revolution itself was at stake. In Toulon, the strategically vital home port of France's Mediterranean fleet, a coup had overthrown the Republican government and handed over the city to the blockading British navy. In this, perhaps her darkest hour, France's saviour was at hand in the shape of a Captain of Artillery whose name all Europe would soon know - Napoleon Bonaparte. This title describes the Republican victory at Toulon that not only saved the Revolution but also saw the young Napoleon Bonaparte begin his meteoric rise to power.

Robert Forczyk has a BA in History from the University of Notre Dame, a MA from the University of Virginia and a PhD in International Relations and National Security from the University of Maryland. He is a retired US Army lieutenant colonel, having served in armour and intelligence roles. Dr Forczyk is a specialist in Asian and European military history. Currently, he is a consultant in the Washington, DC area.