Guard

In October 1794 shouts of "Vive la France!" could be heard on the west side of the Rhine. The left-bank of the Rhine was occupied territory for three years. In order to provide for the army, the French exploited the country's economy. The situation changed between 1797 and 1801 (Peace Treaty of Lunéville) when the Rhineland was incorporated into the state of France

Over the years the Rhinelanders came to appreciate the advantages of French rule. However, the Rhinelanders found the conscription system hard to bear, which obliged every male inhabitant between 18 and 40 to do military service. Many Rhinelanders were press-ganged into service and had to fight in the military campaigns of the Emperor Napoleon.

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