A French department under the protection of its regular national guard: the Pas-de-Calais (1806-1815)

A revolutionary institution, the National Guard proved to be an essential instrument in the defence of the empire. Bringing together citizens originating from the same department, it is also a place where common interests come to light and a crucible from which will emerge a sense of belonging to a common structure, the department, a sense which manifests itself also through the self-asserting posture of the local assembly which does not hesitate to claim its opposition to the government's policy.