Final answer:
The French army became the people's army during the French Revolution through conscription and involving citizens in the military. This allowed for increased size, flexibility, and meritocracy in the army.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the French Revolution, the French army became the people's army through the introduction of conscription and involving citizens in the military. This allowed the government to increase the size and flexibility of its armies and turn the officer corps into a true meritocracy, where capable soldiers could rise to command regardless of social background. Mass conscription allowed the French to develop permanent divisions and corps, which gave them operational choices and facilitated their strategies.