I was just reading a little bit about the aftermath of the French revolution, and how France seemed to surprise the rest of Europe with its military vigor, ultimately taking on pretty much every other power singlehandedly. Is there any consensus among historians as to what factors enabled France to dominate Europe so soon after such massive social upheaval?
Was France just a slumbering giant, whose demographics and economy meant it was naturally extremely powerful? Could ideas play a role - did the zeal and public enthusiasm following the revolution make it easier for France to wage large scale warfare in a way that was difficult for European monarchies?
Would love to hear any insights.
Here's an extensive answer. I'd like to add that by the end of thirty years' wars (1648) under Cardinal Richelieu and Cardinal Mazarin France had become Europe's biggest land power and arbitrator. By the later years of the Sun King most of European powers had to team up (the grand alliance) to check France's power. It was only after two expensive wars (the war of Austrian succession and the seven years' war) that France began to show some signs of (mostly economic) weakness.