The French Mutiny of 1917

The third year of the war became one of the most dangerous for the Allies. France, and the French army, had faced the bulk of destruction and fighting on the Western Front. Discontent among the men began to emerge over their treatment in the army. Several key issues were at stake: poor food, no home leaves, limited rest opportunities, and a distrust of the French Generals who commanded them, became major problems. At one point during a major battle where over 100,000 men were killed or wounded, French replacements marched past their generals bleating like sheep. They believed that they were being led like animals to the slaughter.

Under these conditions, French solider had faced enough. Discontent had spread thought out the army, and some 30,000 men decided to leave their trenches and walk home. Many men had not been home in the three years since the war had begun. Officers were allowed to go home on a regular basis, but lowly privates were not given these privileges. Even British soliders got home more often than French troops who were fighting in their own country.

In addition to the men who left the trenches, some 54 divisions (about one-half of the French army), refused to obey orders from commanding generals. Discipline in the army collapsed and panic spread in the French High Command and government. If the army quit fighting, then the war would be lost and all the sacrifices made would be for nothing.

Reaction was quick on the part of the High Command. Several older generals were quickly replaced and a new overall commander was selected. General Petain, who had fought several successful battles, was chosen to lead the army. He immediately took charge of the situation. Mass arrests were made of all leaders of the mutiny. 24,000 men were tried and found guilty. 400 were sentenced to death, but only 50 were shot, the rest were sent to Devils Island to serve their sentence.

Petain also implemented a number of improvements for the men in the army. Better food, home leaves and periods of rest were put into effect. After six weeks of mutiny, the French army had been restored. Yet, a powerful change had come over the army. It became clear that the French army would fight to defend their country, but would not go over to attack. This meant that England and members of the British Empire would now do the bulk of the fighting on the Western Front.