This book examines a period of particular importance in the formation of the modern French state. The revolutionary strife and international war of the 1790s had important and far-reaching consequences for the development of democracy and bureaucracy in France. Howard G. Brown's study of changes in army administration in this period sheds light on the dynamic relationship between the spread of political participation, the rationalization of public power, and the build-up of military might.
Dr Brown shows how the exigencies of war and the vagaries of revolutionary politics wrought rapid and profound changes in the structures and personnel of army administration. Although loath to see a massive military bureaucracy take root, legislators found that their desire to combine civilian control with military effectiveness made a large central administration unavoidable.
Review: Brown ... provides a fresh examination and in the process questions Church's conclusions ... A short review cannot do justice to Brown's sophisticated handling of modernization theory, his meticulous archival rsearch, or his command of detail. Highly recommended for graduate students and faculty. * D.C.
Baxter, Ohio University, Choice, March 1996 Vol. 33, No.7 * This substantial study in the Oxford Historical Monographs series sets out to trace the interaction between changing bureaucratic and administrative regimes and the politics of the French Revolution. * David Andress, University of Portsmouth, French History, Vol. 10.
No. 3 '96 * ..ward G. Brown ... has written the definitive study of army control and administration from December 1791 until the political crisis of 18 Brumaire VIII (8 November 1799). This monograph is thoroughly grounded in secondary sources and archival materials. * Linda Frey, University of Montana, History, Spring 1996 * Brown's description of the evolving army burearcracy is never boring ...
Brown skilfully and painstakingly charts the play of forces that shaped the ministerial bureaucracy ... War, Revolution, and the Bureaucratic State is proof that a study of politicians and bureaucrats can still make for excellent military history. * MS, Canadian Military History *
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