What was the purpose of the levee en masse issued in August 1793?

The levee en masse, issued in August 1793, aimed to create a national draft for military service. This initiative came in response to the dire need for troops to defend the French Revolution against external threats and internal insurrections. As the revolutionary government faced military challenges from various coalitions of European monarchies, it became clear that a regular army would not suffice to protect the fledgling republic.

By instituting a mass conscription, the levee en masse mobilized the entire population, effectively calling upon all able-bodied men to serve in the military. This not only increased the manpower available for military campaigns but also fostered a sense of national unity and collective responsibility among the citizens, encouraging them to support the revolutionary cause.

The other options reflect significant events from the revolutionary period but do not align with the primary purpose of the levee en masse. The Law of Suspects focused on identifying and prosecuting perceived enemies of the revolution rather than military mobilization. Food distribution efforts were vital during this time but were separate from the conscription measure. Lastly, establishing a new government structure was a broader process involving various reforms and was not directly tied to the mass conscription initiated by the levee en masse.