Biography of french revolutionary army uniforms

Red trousers worn by the French army

The pantalon rouge (French for 'red trousers') were an integral part of the uniform of most regiments of the French army from to Some parts of the Kingdom of France's army already wore red trousers or breeches but the French Revolution saw the introduction of white trousers for infantrymen.

Following the Bourbon Restoration white breeches or blue trousers were worn but red trousers for infantry were adopted in to encourage the French rose madder dye-growing industry. Madder red is a shade darker than the scarlet of British uniforms.

Biography of french revolutionary army uniforms

By the early 20th century other European nations had adopted drab combat uniforms as a response to the changing nature of warfare. An early attempt by minister of war Adolphe Messimy to modernise the French infantry uniform was rejected after opposition in the press that it was "contrary both to French taste and military function".

The bright French uniform contributed to the high casualty