1.3 Flashcards
What was the aim of the Directory established in 1795?
Stabilise France after the chaos of the Terror and Robespierre’s fall.
What two extremes did the Directory aim to prevent?
- A return to monarchy
- A return to Jacobin-style radicalism
What type of republicanism did the Directory seek?
Moderate republicanism.
What was the structure of the legislature under the Directory?
- Council of 500 (proposed laws)
- Council of Ancients (250 members, approved or rejected laws)
Who held executive power in the Directory?
A five-man executive known as the Directory.
Who was Paul Barras?
Most influential Director and key power-broker who supported Napoleon’s rise.
What was Jean-François Reubell known for?
Foreign policy expert and anti-royalist.
What was Lazare Carnot’s contribution?
Military organiser who helped draft Levée en Masse (1793).
What was the reputation of the Directory?
Viewed as corrupt and self-serving.
What challenges did the Directory face?
- Constant coups
- Conspiracies
- Factional rivalries
What was the outcome of the 1797 elections?
Royalists won many seats, leading to the Coup of Fructidor.
What happened during the Coup of Floréal in 1798?
The Directory annulled elections again, removing left-wing deputies.
What was the significance of the Coup of Brumaire in 1799?
It brought Napoleon to power.
What economic issues contributed to the Directory’s unpopularity?
- Inflation
- Food shortages
- High taxation
What military success is attributed to the Directory?
Military victories mainly due to Napoleon’s campaigns in Italy.
What were some failures of the Directory?
- Constant coups and instability
- Economic mismanagement
- Lost support of royalists and Jacobins
Who was Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès?
A key political figure and Director who supported a coup against the Directory.
What was the purpose of Sieyès’ pamphlet ‘What is the Third Estate?’
To highlight the grievances of the common people.
What was Napoleon’s role in the Coup of 18-19 Brumaire?
He conspired with Sieyès to overthrow the Directory.
What justification was used for military intervention during the coup?
Fears of a Jacobin conspiracy.
What was the outcome of the Coup of 18-19 Brumaire?
The Directory was abolished and replaced by a Consulate with Napoleon as First Consul.
What factors contributed to Napoleon’s rise to power?
- Directory’s weakness
- Napoleon’s popularity
- Support from key figures
- Military backing
- Public desire for stability
Fill in the blank: The Directory’s economic mismanagement led to _______.
[economic hardship]
True or False: The Directory maintained strong ideological support from the public.
False
What was the reaction of the Jacobins and Royalists to the Directory?
- Jacobins felt betrayed
- Royalists persecuted after Fructidor
