Department of War | |
Native Name: | French: Département de la Guerre |
Type: | Department |
Superseding: | Ministry of War |
Headquarters: | Hôtel de la Guerre, Versailles |
Minister1 Name: | Secretary of State for War |
Deputyminister8 Name: | --> |
Chief1 Position: | Secretary of State for War |
Parent Department: | King's Council |
Child1 Agency: | French Royal Army |
Child2 Agency: | Maréchaussée |
Child3 Agency: | Frontier Border Troops |
The Department of War was a ministerial department of the King's household (Maison du Roi) during the Ancien Régime in France. The department had control over the French Royal Army, Maréchaussée (military police), and the Frontier Border Troops. In 1791, as part of the governmental reforms carried out by the Constitutional Cabinet of Louis XVI, the department was abolished and subsequently reformed as the Ministry of War.
The first Secretary of State for War was appointed by Henry II of France on 1 April 1547, and till 25 May 1791 became commonplace to have a 'Secretary of State for War' leading the department.
See main article: Secretary of State for War (France).