France Declares War on Austria

April 20, 1792

The Girondins pushed the Assembly into war with Austria, hoping to unite the nation. Prussia joined Austria; the emigres promised the kings a short campaign. Within months foreign armies were advancing on Paris. The Revolution, attacked from outside, responded by radicalizing at home. The Duke of Brunswick's manifesto, threatening to destroy Paris if the royal family was harmed, achieved the opposite of its intent.