21. The Directory Flashcards
3 reasons why Directory survived longer than any other revolutionary regime?
committed to restoring law
few wanted to return to Terror
the army supported them
When was the Babeuf Plot?
1796
Why did Gracchus Babeuf dislike constitution?
it gave power to the wealthy and he wanted a way of life where everyone was equal
How did Babeuf want to try and achieve equality?
bring communal management of property and abolish private possessions
When and what was Babeuf’s plan to overthrow the Directory?
March 1796 - Conspiracy of equals
What did the Conspiracy of Equals do?
persuaded army and police to provide armed force to seize power
What happened to Babeuf?
arrested in 1796 and executed following year
When was the Coup D’etat of Fructidor?
1797
What did elections of 1797 show a shift towards?
Monarchists
In 1797 - Why was the Directory losing support?
Monarchists were beginning to take over seats and they were losing support from Bourgeoisie
What were the three main events of the Coup D’etat?
- two committed republicans in directory wanted to stop monarchists and help from army
- Bonaparte sent troops to Paris to support them
- 3-4th Sept 1979 - troops seized strong points in Paris and arrested Carnot and Barthlememy
What did the Coup D’Etat end?
the parliamentary government and the Constitution of Year III
What did the Terror after Fructidor do? (3)
took action against emgires and refractory priests
clergy were required to take oath rejecting support for royals
non-juring priests were deported
What three events happened in France’s economy under Directory?
issued new paper known as Mandats Territriaux - soon lost value
decline in purchasing power
resulted in deflation
In September 1797 what happened to the National Debt?
two thirds of it was renounced by one-off payment to debt holders
Who was in charge of tax policies under the Directory?
Ramel
When did the Directory rule from?
1795-99
In the first two years - what did the Directory try and rid of?
Jacobin Terror
What did the Directory replace?
The committee of Public Safety
What did Ramel’s policies achieve?
He was able to balance the budget for the 1st time since the revolution began
What was France’s first war success in 1794?
Battle of Fleurus in Austrian Netherlands
What three events occurred during war in 1794-9
- Prussia made peace with France
- Conquered Rhineland and crossed into Spain
- Treaty of Basel was signed
What did the Treaty of Basel mean and when was it signed?
1795 - Prussia handed over territory of left bank of Rhine in exchange for land on the right bank
In terms of war - what was France’s aim in 1796?
to defeat Austria
