An Overview of the Volta-Bani War (1915-1917)

Introduction The Volta-Bani War was an anti-colonial rebellion which took place in French West Africa (specifically, the areas of modern Burkina Faso and Mali) between 1915 and 1917. It was a war between an indigenous African force drawn from a heterogeneous coalition of local peoples who rose against the French Army. At its height in… Read More

An Overview of the Zaian War (1914-1921)

Introduction The Zaian (or Zayan) War was fought between France and the Zaian Confederation of Berber tribes in Morocco between 1914 and 1921 during the French conquest of Morocco. Morocco had become a French protectorate in 1912, and Resident-General Louis-Hubert Lyautey sought to extend French influence eastwards through the Middle Atlas mountains towards French Algeria.… Read More

What is French Space Command?

Introduction The French Space Command (French: Commandement de l’Espace, CdE) is a formation of the French Air and Space Force, which deals with space issues. It supersedes the Joint Space Command, which was created in 2010. Mission A formation of the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the JSC is placed under the authority of the… Read More

What is the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr?

Introduction The École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM, literally the “Special Military School of Saint-Cyr”) is a French military academy, and is often referred to as Saint-Cyr. It is located in Coëtquidan in Guer, Morbihan, Brittany. Its motto is Ils s’instruisent pour vaincre, literally meaning “They study to vanquish” or, more freely put, “Training for… Read More

What was Operation Seisme Haiti 2010?

Introduction Opération Séisme Haiti 2010 (Operation Haiti Earthquake 2010) is France’s military relief operation for the 12 January 2010 earthquake. The priorities for the mission are rescue efforts, search for the missing, medical aid, security, retrieving French citizens, organising humanitarian aid, and delivery. The operation started on Wednesday 13 January 2010. Refer to Operation Unified… Read More

What were the French Army Mutinies (1917)?

Introduction The 1917 French Army mutinies took place amongst French Army troops on the Western Front in Northern France during World War I. Refer to the Singapore Mutiny (1915) and the Etaples Mutiny (1917). They started just after the unsuccessful and costly Second Battle of the Aisne, the main action in the Nivelle Offensive in… Read More

What is the National Guard (France)?

Introduction The National Guard (French: Garde nationale) is a French military, gendarmerie, and police reserve force, active in its current form since 2016 but originally founded in 1789 during the French Revolution. For most of its history the National Guard, particularly its officers, has been widely viewed as loyal to middle-class interests. It was founded… Read More