French Colonial Troops, 1815-1914

In the 19th century, Muslim countries faced European military pressures, prompting them to modernize their armies and adopt Western reforms, each playing pivotal roles in regional conflicts, with a focus on their uniforms and organizations.

France was one of the world's leading colonial powers since the 17th century, thanks to the great quality of her military forces. After the definitive fall of Napoleon, in 1815, the French had to re-build their colonial presence around the world almost from zero and thus they had to reorganize their military units tasked with serving overseas. In a few years the French state was able to restore its international prestige and to start expanding in the non-European continents. Starting with the conquest of Algeria in 1830, the French began occupying new territories in several areas of the world; by the outbreak of World War I in 1914, they had established an immense colonial empire which extension and flourishing economy were second only to those of the British Empire. In the present book we will provide a detailed analysis of the history, organization and uniforms of the colonial troops deployed by France during the period 1815-1914. These will include the mighty "Army of Africa" serving in the Maghreb as well as the various colonial units that were part of the French Navy. All the colonies of the French Empire will be taken into account: Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, French Sahara, Tchad, Mauritania, Niger, Mali, Senegal, French Sudan, Ivory Coast, Benin, Gabon, Guinea, French Congo, French Somaliland, Madagascar, French India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Caribbean Colonies and Pacific Colonies. The written text is illustrated with dozens of colour uniform plates, depicting the exotic dress of all the colonial military corps deployed by France: Zouaves, Tirailleurs, Chasseurs d'Afrique, Spahis and many others.