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On February 15, 2023, Schiller students from the Paris campus visited the Invalides Museum as part of the IR 502 Diplomacy Workshop: International Negotiations course. The Invalides are located in the heart of Paris and allow for great outdoor excursions. The students visited many of the exhibits and watched documentaries relating to the great battles fought by the armies of France during the reign of Emperor Napoleon I. They were also able to gather in front of the tomb of the emperor and had the opportunity to become better acquainted with the military history of France from the 18th century to the present day. Particular attention was paid to the Napoleonic period and the foreign policy of France in the European concert. Below are a few student testimonies about this visit.
“The museum has medical tools that were used during these battles. They even had a chief surgeon who worked on injured soldiers during those times. It was fascinating to see the taxidermized horse of Napoleon I. Le Vizir was shipped to England after it died in 1826 and shipped back to France in 1868. It is at the final resting of its master. We also saw the bastioned fortifications of battlefields like Bayonne and the Bordeaux Château. It is impressive how these fortifications were moved from where they were made to the museum. I believe this trip to Invalides Museum was very insightful and eye-opening.”
Gloria B. Boateng
“Between 1789 and the end of the 18th century, France established a military regime after a successful coup on the reigning king, and the neighboring nations felt threatened by the revolution and decided to try and re-establish the monarchy. This led to France setting up its own volunteer military army for the first time, instead of hiring mercenaries, with General Hoche who led France against the Prussians. Also on display are paintings of Napoleon Bonaparte and details about his victories and losses in battle, such as the battle of Austerlitz where Napoleon won against the armies of Russia and Austria in December of 1805. After Napoleon won, he put his family members to rule in conquered regions: for example, his brother became the ruler of Spain at the time.”
Adesola Adeyinka
“I walked around the museum and was struck by the depth of knowledge and passion that had gone into curating the exhibits. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in military history, the Invalides Museum is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Paris. Overall, my visit to the museum was an enriching and enjoyable experience that I will remember for years to come.”
Melissa T. Abou Rached
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