A sweeping history of intimacy and family life in France during the age of revolution The French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars devastated Europe for nearly a quarter of a century. The Soldier’s Reward recovers the stories of soldiers and their relationships to family and domestic life during this period, revealing how prolonged warfare transformed family and gender dynamics and gave rise to new kinds of citizenship. In this groundbreaking work combining social, cultural, gender, and military history, Jennifer Ngaire Heuer vividly describes how men fought for years with only fleeting moments of peace. Combatants were promised promotion, financial gain, and patriotic glory. They were also rewarded for their service by being allowed to return home to waiting families and love interests, and with marriages that were arranged and financially supported by the state. Heuer explores competing ideas of masculinity in France, as well as the experiences of the men and women who participated in such marriages. She argues that we cannot fully understand the changing nature of war and peace in this period without considering the important roles played by family, gender, and romantic entanglements. Casting new light on a turbulent era of mass mobilization and seemingly endless conflict, The Soldier’s Reward shows how, from the Revolution through the Restoration, war, intimacy, and citizenship intersected in France in new and unexpected ways.

Raised on a farm with its back breaking work, I thought there ought to be a better way to make a living. One day I happened to pass by a recruiting office, thought this could be it. These men don't have to get up out of bed at three a.m. every morning. At this point, I joined the military. I became a combat medic and was sent to Korea. I was under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, general of the Army. One day, my group of men was ambushed and there were heavy casualties. During a period of a lull, I jumped into a jeep alone and headed out for a tour of the area. I found myself in a Chinese enemy camp. This unusual situation gave me a unique experience during the war. Uncertain of what was going to happen, after my discharge from the military, I went into law enforcement and retired after thirty plus years as a Lieutenant from the Reno, Nevada Police Department. Having been involved in numerous gun battles, I was again under the protection of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who granted me my final ultimate reward, a place in eternity, my heavenly home. Hallelujah! Uncertain of what was going to happen, after my discharge from the military, I went into law enforcement and retired after thirty plus years as a Lieutant in Reno, Neveda Police Department. Credit is given to Jesus Christ who has delivered me from many dangerous situations and granted me my final ultimate reward, a place in eternity, my heavenly home. Halleluijah!