FREE CORPS Meaning and
Definition
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A free corps refers to an irregular or non-official military unit that operates independently of state control, typically composed of volunteers in times of conflict or political unrest. Free corps, also spelled Freikorps in German, emerged during various periods of history, notably after World War I and during the interwar period in Germany.
Free corps originated in Germany after the First World War as paramilitary groups formed by demobilized soldiers disenchanted with the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. These units were not under government authority but were involved in combat against communist and socialist uprisings, enforcing nationalistic sentiments, and maintaining order within a volatile society.
Characterized by their authorization to operate outside the regular military chain of command, free corps pursued their objectives with significant autonomy. Lacking strict regulations and political oversight, they often engaged in brutal activities or took part in political assassinations.
The concept of a free corps has also been witnessed in other historical instances, such as during the Napoleonic Wars, where independent volunteer forces fought against French occupation. Similarly, it appeared during the Spanish Civil War, where volunteers from around the world formed militias to support different factions.
In summary, a free corps refers to a voluntary, unofficial military unit that operates autonomously and outside regular government control. They historically emerged during periods of political turmoil or disillusionment and played a significant role in maintaining order or pursuing specific objectives.
Common Misspellings for FREE CORPS
- dree corps
- cree corps
- vree corps
- gree corps
- tree corps
- rree corps
- feee corps
- fdee corps
- ffee corps
- ftee corps
- f5ee corps
- f4ee corps
- frwe corps
- frse corps
- frde corps
- frre corps
- fr4e corps
- fr3e corps
- frew corps
- fres corps
Etymology of FREE CORPS
The term "free corps" is derived from the German word "Freikorps", which is a combination of two words: "frei", meaning "free" or "independent", and "korps", meaning "corps" or "unit".
The concept of the free corps originated in Germany during the 18th century but gained popularity during the early 20th century. It referred to volunteer paramilitary units that were established during times of political turmoil or after major conflicts, particularly as a response to the aftermath of World War I. These units were made up of citizens who were not part of the regular army but volunteered to fight for various political or nationalistic causes.
The term "free corps" was also commonly used in other countries to describe similar volunteer military units, such as the Finnish "Vapaajoukot" or the Russian "Bely Otriad".
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