15 Facts About Victor-Constant Michel

General Victor-Constant Michel was a French General officer.

Victor-Constant Michel led the French Army in 1911, but following his opposition to the French strategy for war with Germany was replaced by General Joseph Joffre in July 1911.

Victor-Constant Michel attended the Ecole speciale militaire de Saint-Cyr from 1867 to 1869.

Victor-Constant Michel was appointed Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in May 1871.

Victor-Constant Michel returned to Staff College becoming a Captain on 31 December 1873, he joined the headquarters of the 1st Infantry Division in February 1878, and the staff of 15th Corps in April 1880.

Victor-Constant Michel was appointed Battalion Chief of the 1st Infantry Regiment in April 1884, then the 43rd Infantry Regiment, he joined the staff of the 1st Corps in 1886, and the War College in 1888.

Victor-Constant Michel was appointed to the Superior War Council on 22 December 1907, which was largely concerned with strategic planning.

Victor-Constant Michel was highly successful in training reservists, a goal that especially appealed to the Republican political element in France.

Victor-Constant Michel was appointed Vice President High Council of War on 10 January 1911, which made him Commander in Chief designate of the French Army.

Victor-Constant Michel argued that the major German offensive would probably come through central Belgium, because of the obstacle of French defences in Lorraine, the terrain in eastern Belgium and German railway building.

Victor-Constant Michel's plan called for 1,290,000 men to defend against the expected German invasion through Belgium.

Victor-Constant Michel's proposal was met with hostility by conservatives in the French government and Army, who were alarmed at Victor-Constant Michel's dependence on the use of reserves, which would dilute the power of the conservative officer corps.

Victor-Constant Michel was then appointed military governor of Paris, where he would not have responsibility for strategy.

Victor-Constant Michel did not receive any command for the remainder of the conflict.

Victor-Constant Michel retired to Meulan, where he died on 8 November 1937.