As for the source of soldiers, that was the least of Joseph's worries.
He had previously expended a great deal of energy and overcome immense resistance to carry out land reforms. Now, it was time to reap the benefits.
A large number of French farmers who had received land—although they had not yet paid off the redemption fees, everyone knew for certain that the land would be theirs—now supported the French Royal Family and the government with unprecedented enthusiasm. Moreover, the recent punishment of the detested Tax Farmers they utterly loathed had made them cheer jubilantly.
Joseph believed that after issuing conscription notices at the beginning of the month, he could recruit over a hundred thousand soldiers by the end of the month.
Of course, the generous remuneration and the famous reputation of the Guard Corps also attracted young people to join the army.
