Figure 1.-- France still had Zouave units at the time of World War I, although combat uniforms were changed after the war broke out. This tinted French post card is undate, but probably was made during the War.

The popular Zouave style originated in Algeria. Two battalions of troops were formed in 1830 by General Bertrand Clausel as part of the French military occupation of Algeria. The troops were from a tribe of Kabyles dwelling in Algeria. The name of the tribe was Zouaoua, which in France gave rise to the term, "zouave". The organization of these tribesmen as part of the French army was designed to establish a bond between them an the French occupation forces. They came to serve as mercinaries in the French army. French officers were put in charge and a certain number of French soldiers incorporated within their ranks. The mingling of French and natives did not prove satisfactory, and after 1839, none of the natives were recruited, although regiments of Algerian tirailleurs were subsequently formed. The Moorish-styled costume originally adopted for the Kabyles recruits was retained even after the resruitment of the Algerin natives ended. The French zouaves were recruited from veterans of exceptional physique and courage. They achieved a notable reputation, serving not only in Africa, but also in the Crimea, Italy, Mexico, Tunis, and Tonking (Indo-China/Vietnam). One observer writes, "These units quickly became the “elite forces” of the French Army and during the Crimean War, their heroic efforts and brave actions brought them to public notice, not only in France, but all over the world." [Harriman] Zouave units served with destinction through Word War I, although their distinctive uniforms were discarded during the fightening because of its conspicousness. Because of the reputation of the Zouaves, some Ameican Civil War (1861-65) volunteer units adopted the colorful costumes and styled themselves "zouaves". They were mostly northern units, but there were also southern zouaves.

Origins

The Zouave uniform is one of the modst destinctive uniform worn in modern times. The name derives from the Zouaoua, a Berber tribe found in the mountains of the North African Jurjura range. The French in the process of colonizing Algeria raised the first battalion of Zouaves informally (1831) and latter recognized by the royal governmrent (1833). The first Zouaves were raised from the Zouaoua. As a result the uniforms reflected the native dress.

Algeria (1830s-50s)

The popular Zouave style originated in Algeria. Two battalions of troops were formed in 1830 by General Bertrand Clausel as part of the French military occupation of Algeria. The troops were from a tribe of Kabyles dwelling in Algeria. The name of the tribe was Zouaoua, which in France gave rise to the term, "zouave". The organization of these tribesmen as part of the French army was designed to establish a bond between them an the French occupation forces. They came to serve as mercinaries in the French army. French officers were put in charge and a certain number of French soldiers incorporated within their ranks. The mingling of French and natives did not prove satisfactory, and after 1839, none of the natives were recruited, although regiments of Algerian tirailleurs were subsequently formed. The Moorish-styled costume originally adopted for the Kabyles recruits was retained even after the resruitment of the Algerin natives ended. The French Zouaves were recruited from veterans of exceptional physique and courage. They achieved a notable reputation. The Zouaves played an important role in the French colonization of Algeria. They fought an important action at Mouzaia Pass and at Mitidja (1836). They were also involved with the siege of Constantine (1837). The French than began forming the Tirailleurs algeriens--the Turcos (1838). This became the principal unit for Muslim troops. The Zouave battalions became units of French soldiers. They consisted of three regiments (1852). The Zouaves of the Imperial Guard ere formed (1854). The French recruited the Zouves through voluntary enlistment. Zouaves units were not filled with conscripts. Men also transfered from other regiments. As aresult of their performance in Algeria, the Zouaves acquired a reputation as tough fearsome fighters and were seen as an elite force in Algeria. Their actions received considerable attention in the French and foreign press. The 2nd Zouave Regiment was dubbed the "the Jackals of Oran". The Emperor decorated their eagle with the Legion d' Honeur after the the Battle of Magenta (1859). The three regular line regiments of Zouaves were assigned to a separate province in Algeria and their garrisons were located there.

Other French Campaigns (1850s-1910s)

The Zouaves saw service in other French campaigns outside of Algeria beginning with the Crimean War (1854-56). They subsequently served in all of the major French military campaigns, including the Franco-Austrian War fought in Italy (1859), the Mexican Intervention to support Maximillian (1864-66), and the Franco-Prussian War (1870). They also served in other French colonies, including Tunisia and Tonkin (Vietnam). One observer writes, "These units quickly became the “elite forces” of the French Army and during the Crimean War, their heroic efforts and brave actions brought them to public notice, not only in France, but all over the world." [Harriman] French defeat in the Franco-Prussian War resulted in a major reform of the French Army. The Zouaves lost their status as an elite force of veteran fighters and became a conscript force recruited from French North African settlers, bith in Algeria and Tunisia. To fill out the ranks, conscripts were added from southern france. The Zouaves were expanded just before the outbreak of World war by men recrited from the Pris area. The four Zouave regiments began the War in their characteristic brightly colored uniforms. The lethality of modern weapons (machine guns and artillery) soon brought about a chsange to a khaki uniform (1915).

Zouave Uniforms

The Zouave uniform is one of the modst destinctive uniform worn in modern times. The name derives from the Zouaoua, a Berber tribe found in the mountains of the North African Jurjura range. The French in the process of colonizing Algeria raised the first battalion of Zouaves informally (1831) and latter recognized by the royal governmrent (1833). The first Zouaves were raised from the Zouaoua. As a result the uniforms reflected the native dress. Subsequently the Zouaves became a Force of French soldiers recruited from Algerian settlers. The units. however, retained the destinctive native-styled uniforms. The reputation of the French Zouaves resulted in the formatioin of volunteer Zouave units during the Amerucan Civil War (1861). The distinctive dress and dash of the Zouaves made them well known outside France and they were frequently portrayed in the illustrated publications of the period. Thus the exploits of the Zouaves were widely reported and their colorful uniform widely recognized. Miitary uniforms often influence both mens' and children's clothes. We Note that by the 1850s that cut-away jackets and bloomer knickers had become a basic fashion style for boys. We are not positive, but the French Zouave uniform may have been the primary fashion inspiration for this new style of boy's suit.

French Colonial Algeria

American Civil War (1861-65)

With the outbreak of the Civil War in the United States, volunteer Zouave units were formed both in the North and South. The motivation was the martial reputation and dashing appearance of the French Zouaves. The uniforms varied some what from unit tonunit, but in all cases were destinctive and based on those of the French Zouaves, They were bright colored and might include a fez, emroidered jacket, vest, sash, and baggy trousers. We note Thomas Camp, a drummer boy from the 11th Wisonsin--a Zouave unit. The Northern units commonly had red fezes, blue jackets, and red pants. We are less sure about the southern units, but suspect thecolors msay have been grey and red.

Sources

Harriman, Lynne. Timeless Stitches. E-Mail message, January 31, 2006.