Charles François Dumouriez, French general and politician, French Minister of Defence (d. 1823)

Charles-François du Périer Dumouriez (French pronunciation: ​[ʃaʁl fʁɑ̃swa dy peʁje dymuʁje], born 26 January 1739 in Valenciennes – died 14 March 1823 in Turville, England) stands as one of the most intriguing and paradoxical figures of the French Revolutionary Wars. A career soldier and diplomat under the Ancien Régime, he transitioned to become a pivotal French general during the early tumultuous years of the Revolution. His legacy is complex, marked by both a heroic initial success that helped safeguard the nascent French Republic and a controversial defection that branded him a traitor, yet he remains etched into the nation's memory, honored on the Arc de Triomphe.

From Royal Service to Revolutionary General

Before the Revolution, Dumouriez served with distinction in the French army, participating in the Seven Years' War and campaigns in Corsica, showcasing his military acumen and diplomatic skills. With the advent of the French Revolution, he embraced the new political landscape, rapidly ascending through the ranks. He served briefly as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1792, advocating for a preemptive war against the European monarchies that threatened France. His most significant military achievement came shortly after, in his capacity as a commanding general.

The Pivotal Victory at Valmy

On 20 September 1792, General Charles-François Dumouriez shared a crucial victory at the Battle of Valmy with General François Christophe Kellermann. This engagement, often referred to as the "Cannonade of Valmy," was not a grand tactical masterpiece but a decisive artillery duel that halted the advancing Prussian and Austrian armies led by the Duke of Brunswick. The French, composed largely of inexperienced volunteers alongside regular troops, held their ground against professional monarchical forces. This unexpected success prevented the invasion of Paris, boosted the morale of the Revolutionary forces immensely, and is widely considered a turning point that saved the French Revolution, paving the way for the proclamation of the First French Republic the very next day. Dumouriez's strategic positioning and calm leadership during this critical moment were instrumental.

The Shift from Revolutionary Hero to Defector

Despite his initial triumphs, Dumouriez's relationship with the increasingly radical Parisian government, particularly the powerful Jacobin faction, quickly deteriorated. His victories in Belgium (Austrian Netherlands) at battles like Jemappes in November 1792 were followed by a significant defeat at Neerwinden in March 1793. Facing accusations of treason and fearing arrest by commissioners from the National Convention due to his perceived moderate views and military setbacks, Dumouriez made the momentous decision to desert the Revolutionary Army. On 5 April 1793, he openly defected to the Austrian forces, taking with him the young Duke of Chartres (the future King Louis-Philippe I), effectively abandoning the cause he had once championed.

Exile and Advisory Role Against Napoleon

Following his defection, Dumouriez became a prominent royalist intriguer. He actively sought to restore the Bourbon monarchy in France, though his efforts were largely unsuccessful. During the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, he continued his anti-Revolutionary, anti-imperial stance, establishing himself as a key adviser to the British government. From his exile, primarily in England, he provided valuable strategic insights, military intelligence, and often prophetic analyses on Napoleon's campaigns and weaknesses. His extensive writings and counsel offered the British a unique perspective from a seasoned French general, aiding their efforts in the Napoleonic Wars. He lived out the remainder of his long life in exile, never returning to France.

An Enduring Yet Contested Legacy

Despite his defection and subsequent opposition to the Revolutionary and Napoleonic regimes, Charles-François du Périer Dumouriez's significant contribution to the early survival of the French Republic through the victory at Valmy was never entirely forgotten. As a testament to this crucial early service, his name is proudly inscribed among the 660 generals and marshals honored under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Specifically, his name can be found on Column 3. This inclusion acknowledges his pivotal role in one of the most decisive battles in French history, even as his later actions remain a subject of historical debate, highlighting the complex and often contradictory nature of revolutionary-era loyalties and legacies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charles-François Dumouriez

Who was Charles-François Dumouriez?

Charles-François Dumouriez was a distinguished French general during the French Revolutionary Wars, best known for his pivotal role in the victory at the Battle of Valmy, which helped save the nascent French Republic in 1792. He later became a controversial figure after deserting the Revolutionary Army.

What was Dumouriez's role at the Battle of Valmy?

At the Battle of Valmy in September 1792, Dumouriez, alongside General Kellermann, commanded the French forces. His strategic decisions and leadership were crucial in halting the advance of the invading Prussian and Austrian armies, marking the first major victory for Revolutionary France and leading to the proclamation of the First French Republic.

Why did Dumouriez desert the Revolutionary Army?

Dumouriez deserted the Revolutionary Army in April 1793 due to increasing political friction with the radical Jacobin faction in Paris, military setbacks (like the defeat at Neerwinden), and fears of arrest and execution for perceived disloyalty or counter-revolutionary sympathies.

What did Dumouriez do after his desertion?

After his desertion, Dumouriez became a royalist intriguer, advocating for the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. He spent much of his exile in England, serving as an adviser to the British government, offering strategic insights and intelligence against Napoleon Bonaparte during the Napoleonic Wars.

Why is Dumouriez's name on the Arc de Triomphe despite his defection?

Dumouriez's name is inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe (on Column 3) primarily to honor his decisive contribution at the Battle of Valmy, a victory considered instrumental in securing the early survival of the French Revolution. His later defection, while controversial, did not erase the significance of his early military achievements for France.