The Plébiscite; or, A Miller's Story of the War / By One of the 7,500,000 Who Voted "Yes"

Name: The Plébiscite; or, A Miller's Story of the War / By One of the 7,500,000 Who Voted "Yes"
Author: Erckmann-Chatrian

By Erckmann-Chatrian

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French Literature

About This Book

A miller in an Alsatian village recounts how a government-organized plebiscite and official promises of peace misled rural voters, leading to conscription, a disastrous war, and widespread civilian suffering. He blends personal memoir — village life, family, neighbors — with reportage on administrative corruption, officer favoritism, and the bravery of poorly equipped soldiers facing disciplined opponents. Interwoven are local anecdotes, moral reflections, and eyewitness detail that trace how political manipulation and institutional failures produced catastrophic consequences for ordinary peasantry.

About the Author

Erckmann-Chatrian

Erckmann-Chatrian is the pen name of the French writing duo Emile Erckmann and Alexandre Chatrian, known for their collaborative works in the 19th century. They gained prominence for their historical novels and tales that often explore themes of war, heroism, and the human condition, particularly set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Their notable works include "The Conscript: A Story of the French War of 1813" and "The Blockade of Phalsburg: An Episode of the End of the Empire," which reflect their keen interest in the impact of conflict on society. Their storytelling combines vivid characters with rich historical detail, contributing significantly to French literature.