Battle of Valmy
1792 · Valmy (now Marne, France) · World · Modern
The battle was mainly a long-range artillery duel; the French artillery held steady under the bombardment, and Brunswick, judging a quick victory unlikely, withdrew on his own initiative.
Belligerents
French Revolutionary Army
- Commanders
- Dumouriez, Kellermann
- Strength
- c. 36,000
Prussian-Austrian allied army
- Commanders
- Duke of Brunswick
- Strength
- About 34,000
Background
The European monarchies formed a coalition to crush the French Revolution; after issuing a threatening manifesto, the Duke of Brunswick drove deep into France, and the French army blocked his path at Valmy.
Course of the battle
- Artillery duelThe two sides fought a prolonged artillery duel in rain and fog, and Kellermann rallied his troops with the cry "Long live the nation!"
- Allies hesitateSeeing that the French line was firm and his own supply lines overstretched, Brunswick was unwilling to fight it out.
- Voluntary withdrawalA few days later the coalition decided to withdraw from French territory and head east back to the border.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1792 |
|---|---|
| Place | Valmy (now Marne, France) |
| Result | The battle was mainly a long-range artillery duel; the French artillery held steady under the bombardment, and Brunswick, judging a quick victory unlikely, withdrew on his own initiative. |
| Winner | French Revolutionary Army |
| Casualties | Casualties on both sides were limited, as the battle was chiefly an artillery standoff rather than a bayonet charge. |
| Territorial change | The coalition withdrew from French territory, and France's revolutionary government survived. |
Impact
The day after the Battle of Valmy, the French National Convention abolished the monarchy and proclaimed a republic, so the battle came to be seen as the founding victory that allowed the French First Republic to survive.
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