Background
Lazare Hoche was born on June 25, 1768 near Versailles, France.
Lazare Hoche was born on June 25, 1768 near Versailles, France.
He entered the army at the age of sixteen. After the outbreak of the French Revolution he held the rank of sergeant, soon became an officer, and was made a general in 1793 after his successful defense of Dunkirk.
In the same year he drove the Austrians from Alsace and two years later finished the civil war in La Vendée.
Although he was twice arrested under suspicion of treason, his guilt was never established, and his organizational skill and military leadership were always held in high esteem. In 1797 he pushed the Austrians across the Rhine.
He married Anne Adelaide Dechaux at Thionville (11 March 1794).