Levee en masse is a French term meaning "mass levy" or "mass uprising". It is pronounced as /ləvˈeɪ ɒ̃ ˈmæs/ and has a complex spelling due to the use of French phonetic symbols. The "e" in "en" is pronounced like "uh" and the combination "en masse" is pronounced like "ahns mäs". The letter "v" is pronounced like "vuh". The spelling may seem confusing to English speakers, but it accurately represents the French pronunciation of the term.
Levee en masse refers to a term commonly used in military contexts, which originated during the French Revolution in the late 18th century. It is a French phrase that translates to "mass uprising" in English.
The term specifically denotes the concept of a general conscription or mobilization of a nation's entire population, regardless of social class or previous military experience, for the purpose of defending the country against an imminent threat or invasion. Levee en masse was first introduced as a revolutionary policy by the French government led by Maximilien Robespierre in August 1793.
The policy aimed to create a vast and unified force of citizen-soldiers who would fight for the ideals of the French Revolution and protect the nation from external threats posed by various European powers. As part of the levee en masse, all able-bodied men were required to enlist in the military, while women were assigned to support roles such as nursing or providing logistical assistance.
The concept behind the levee en masse was to harness the collective strength and patriotism of the entire population, transforming the concept of warfare and the nature of armies. The policy became a symbol of the revolutionary spirit and was soon emulated by other nations facing similar circumstances during times of war.
Since its inception, "levee en masse" has become a historical term denoting a significant shift in military strategy and the empowerment of the citizenry in times of national emergency. It represents a departure from traditional military structures and an inclusive approach to national defense, where the strength of a nation is measured by the commitment and unity of its populace.