Siege of Toulon

From September to December 1793, Republican forces recaptured Toulon, handed to the British by royalists. Bonaparte, then artillery captain, played a decisive role by seizing forts dominating the harbor and enabling bombardment of the Anglo-Spanish fleet. On 18 December Allies evacuated the city; victory saved the Revolution and launched Bonaparte's career.

From September to December 1793, Toulon royalists, having delivered the city and arsenal to the Royal Navy on 1 October, were besieged by the Republican army of the 'camp before Toulon.' About 17,000 British, Spanish, Neapolitan, and Piedmontese troops landed in late August to support the federalist and royalist revolt.

Bonaparte planned taking the Éguillette and Balaguier forts to close the passage between the roadsteads, then organized numerous batteries (Convention, Jacobins, Hommes Sans Peur) against the 'Petit Gibraltar.' The general assault of 16-17 December, led by Dugommier, allowed artillery placement that forced the allies' maritime evacuation.

Toulon remained French and the Republic survived its gravest crisis. Bonaparte was promoted brigadier general at 24 and gained national reputation. Allied fleet lost seventeen ships; Mediterranean counter-revolution was decapitated. The siege marked the start of Napoleon's political and military rise.