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The Jourdan Law forces French men into military service, instantly swelling Napo
Featured Event 1798 Event

September 5

France Introduces Conscription: Every Man Must Serve

The Jourdan Law forces French men into military service, instantly swelling Napoleon's ranks to conquer much of Europe. This conscription model reshaped modern warfare by establishing the first large-scale national armies based on citizenship rather than mercenaries.

September 5, 1798

228 years ago

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