François-Joseph Westermann
| François Joseph Westermann | |
|---|---|
François Joseph Westermann
|
|
| Born |
5 September 1751 Molsheim, France |
| Died |
5 April 1794 (aged 42) Paris, France |
| Allegiance |
 Kingdom of France France |
| Service/branch | Cavalry |
| Years of service |
1792–1794 |
| Rank | General of Brigade |
| Battles/wars |
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François Joseph Westermann (5 September 1751 – 5 April 1794) was a French general of the Revolutionary Wars and political figure of the French Revolution.
Born in Molsheim (Bas-Rhin), François Joseph Westermann entered a cavalry regiment at an early age but soon left the service and went to Paris. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Revolution, and in 1790 became greffier of the municipality of Haguenau. After a short imprisonment on a charge of inciting riots in Haguenau, he returned to Paris, where he joined Georges Danton and played an important part in the attack on the Tuileries on 10 August 1792.
He accompanied Charles François Dumouriez on his campaigns with the Army of the North, and assisted him in his negotiations with the Habsburgs, being arrested as an accomplice after the general's defection. Denounced by Jean-Paul Marat to the National Convention, Westermann succeeded in proving his innocence, and was sent with the rank of general of brigade to quell the Revolt in the Vendée.
Westermann distinguished himself by his extraordinary courage, daring maneuvers, and severe treatment of the insurgents. After suffering a defeat at Châtillon, he defeated the Vendéens at Beaupréau, Laval, Granville, and Baugé, and in December 1793 annihilated their army at Le Mans and Savenay.
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