Lazare Carnot Quotes
A collection of quotes by Lazare Carnot.
Lazare Carnot (1753-1823) was a French politician, military strategist, and mathematician who played a prominent role in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Born in Burgundy, France, Carnot came from a family of distinguished military service.
Known as "The Organizer of Victory," Carnot served as a key figure in the French Revolution. He was instrumental in reorganizing the French army, implementing military tactics, and introducing conscription, which significantly bolstered France's military strength. Carnot's contributions were crucial during the French Revolutionary Wars, particularly in defending France against external threats.
Carnot later served as a member of the Committee of Public Safety, a powerful governmental body during the Reign of Terror. Although he was not directly involved in the excessive violence of the period, Carnot played a vital role in organizing the French republican defense. He actively contributed to the development of fortifications and strategies that helped France repel foreign invasions.
After the fall of Robespierre, Carnot's political career suffered setbacks, and he briefly went into self-imposed exile in Switzerland. However, he returned to France following Napoleon Bonaparte's coup d'état and was appointed Minister of War. Carnot introduced significant reforms in the military, modernizing tactics, and organizing reserve forces.
Despite some initial support, Carnot eventually distanced himself from Napoleon due to ideological differences. He resigned as Minister of War in 1805 but continued to contribute to military science and education.
Throughout his life, Carnot's contributions as a military strategist and administrator left a lasting impact on France's military systems and tactics. In addition to his political and military achievements, he made notable contributions to mathematics, particularly in the field of calculus. Lazare Carnot's legacy remains that of a brilliant strategist and mathematician who played a crucial role in shaping the military and political landscape of Revolutionary and Napoleonic France.
