Army of the Centre facts for kids
The Army of the Centre (called armée du Centre in French) was one of the first armies created during the French Revolution. It got its name because it was set up in the Centre region of France. King Louis XVI ordered its creation on December 14, 1791. This army was active for only a short time. After the important Battle of Valmy, the Prussian army left French territory, and the Army of the Centre was no longer needed.
This army's name also showed its place in the French military plan. It was positioned in the middle of the northern and eastern borders of France. It stood between the armée du Nord (Army of the North) and the armée du Rhin (Army of the Rhine). These were two other important French armies at the time. On October 1, 1792, a group called the National Convention officially changed its name to the armée de la Moselle. However, many people still called it the Army of the Centre while General Kellermann was in charge.
Leaders of the Army of the Centre
The Army of the Centre had a few different generals leading it during its short existence:
- December 14, 1791 – July 11, 1792: General La Fayette
- July 12 – September 1, 1792: Marshal Luckner
- He was also in charge of the armée du Rhin at the same time.
- September 2 – November 7, 1792: General Kellermann
- For part of this time, he reported to General Dumouriez.
