Louis Lazare Hoche French General Date of Birth: 24.06.1768 Country: France

1. Early Life and Military Beginnings
2. Revolutionary Upheaval
3. Political Turmoil and Military Successes
4. Expedition to Ireland and Rhine Crossing
5. Role in the Anti-Royalist Coup
6. Unexpected Death

Early Life and Military Beginnings

Lazare Carnot, born on May 13, 1753, was the son of Claude Carnot, a retired soldier. Having lost his mother at an early age, Carnot was raised by his aunt. At the age of 15, he became an assistant groom at the royal stables in Montreuil. A year later, he attempted to enlist in the colonial forces but was instead assigned to the prestigious French Guard due to his exceptional physical attributes.

Revolutionary Upheaval

With the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, Carnot remained with the Guard. Within a few months, he rose through the ranks to become a corporal, lieutenant, and finally, a captain. Distinguishing himself in the French army's campaign in Belgium during the winter of 1792-1793, Carnot was entrusted with the command of an entire army by the fall of 1793.

Political Turmoil and Military Successes

Carnot's career was marked by a series of arrests and imprisonments. First, he was suspected of conspiring with General Dumouriez, and later, he was denounced by General Pichegru. However, following the Thermidorian Coup, Carnot was released and appointed commander of the armies in western France. In 1795, he successfully negotiated a peace treaty with the leaders of the Vendée rebellion and crushed two divisions of French émigrés who had landed at the Quiberon Peninsula.

Expedition to Ireland and Rhine Crossing

In late 1796, Carnot led a military expedition to Ireland that ended in failure. Nevertheless, in 1797, he commanded the Armée de Sambre-et-Meuse and successfully crossed the Rhine River. On April 18, 1797, he defeated the Austrians at Neuwied.

Role in the Anti-Royalist Coup

In early September 1797, Carnot sent troops to Paris to assist the Directory government in carrying out an anti-royalist coup. By this time, he had become one of the most popular generals in the French Republic, rivaled only by Bonaparte.

Unexpected Death

Tragically, Carnot died unexpectedly on September 19, 1797, at the age of 44. The cause of his death remains uncertain, but pneumonia is believed to be the most likely culprit.