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Francois-Christophe KellermannFrench military leader of the Revolutionary Wars
Date of Birth: 28.05.1735
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- The Valmy Campaign
- Accusations and Imprisonment
- Napoleonic Wars and Later Life
- Honors and Legacy
François Kellermann, a Distinguished Military Leader of the French Revolution
Early Life and Military Career
François Kellermann was a French general born in Strasbourg in 1752. He joined the French Hussar regiment in 1752 and rose to the rank of general in 1788.
The Valmy Campaign
After the outbreak of the French Revolution, Kellermann enthusiastically embraced the new regime and was appointed commander-in-chief of the Moselle Army in 1792. Together with General Dumouriez, he faced the invading Prussian army and successfully commanded the French forces at the famous cannonade of Valmy on September 20, 1792.
Accusations and Imprisonment
Despite his victory at Valmy, Kellermann was accused of insufficiently pursuing the retreating Prussian army. He was acquitted by a court-martial but was later charged with lack of energy during the siege of Lyon, which had revolted against the Jacobin dictatorship. Kellermann was imprisoned, and only the fall of Robespierre in 1794 saved him from execution.
Napoleonic Wars and Later Life
In 1801, Kellermann was appointed president of the Senate and in 1804 received the title of Marshal of France. He supported Napoleon Bonaparte but refused to join him during the Hundred Days. During the second Bourbon Restoration, he voted for the execution of Marshal Ney.
Kellermann died in 1820 and was buried in the Père Lachaise Cemetery. His son, François Étienne, became a prominent cavalry general during the Napoleonic Wars, and his grandson, François Christophe Édouard, pursued a diplomatic career. Both inherited the title of Duc de Valmy.
Honors and Legacy
Kellermann received numerous honors, including:- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Louis
- Grand Cross of the Order of Fidelity (Grand Duchy of Baden)
- Grand Cross of the Order of Ludwig (Grand Duchy of Hesse)
In 1892, a monument was erected in his honor at Valmy. Kellermann's legacy as a distinguished military leader of the French Revolution remains firmly established in French history.
