Battle of Valmy
Between Sainte-Menehould and Valmy
What happened
French generals François Kellermann and Charles Dumouriez led the army of revolutionary France against the Prussian army of the Duke of Brunswick. Prussia and other European monarchies invaded France to stop the French Revolution and restore the king's power. Near the village of Valmy in Champagne, heavy rain slowed the Prussian army, and the French cannons won a long artillery duel. As the Prussians hesitated, Kellermann raised his hat and shouted 'Long live the Nation!', his soldiers cheered and sang, and the Prussians broke off and withdrew.
Why it matters
Result: French victory Republic proclaimed one day later. Leaders: Charles François Dumouriez / François Christophe de Kellermann against Duke of Brunswick / Prince of Hohenlohe. Why it matters: It was the first great victory of the armies of the French Revolution and saved the Revolution from invasion. The German writer Goethe, who was with the Prussians, said that a new era in world history had begun.
What came next
Within a day or two the new National Convention abolished the monarchy and proclaimed France a republic. Kellermann was later made Duke of Valmy by Napoleon.
Did you know?
Goethe, who was with the Prussian army, later wrote that a new era in world history had begun.
Timeline
- 1792Prussia and its allies invade France.
- 20 September 1792The French turn back the Prussians at Valmy.
- 1792The new Convention abolishes the monarchy and proclaims the French Republic.
- 1808Kellermann is made Duke of Valmy.