Chapter 14: The Establishment of the Directory

Question 1

When was the Directory created?

Answer 1

• November 1795

Question 2

What were the main features of the Directory? How did they differ from the Convention?

Answer 2

• all taxpayers over 21 could vote (however diff. stages of elections meant democracy was limited)
• 5 executive members to avoid a tyrant
• Council of 500 draw up legisation + Council of ancients approve/reject legislation

Question 3

What were the strengths of the Directory?

Answer 3

• large pool of voters
• separation of powers prevents corruption
• 2/3 of councils from convention for continuity

Question 4

What were the weaknesses of the Directory?

Answer 4

• inefficient as no way for councils to communicate
• councils can’t accomplish much without Directory’s approval but D only change 1 member a year so unlikely to change opinions
• council has yearly elections so no continuity
• favoured upper, richer classes with multiple rounds of voting

Question 5

What was the state of the French economy before the Directory took over?

Answer 5

• increasing war budgets
• inflation
• poor harvest (1795)
• trading compromised by British naval blockade

Question 6

How did the Directory fail economically?

Answer 6

• more inflation brought about by more liberal economic environment
• mandats to replace assignats, became worthless in a year
• metal coins cause deflation which hindered trade
• bourgeoisie tax payers alienated new tax system

Question 7

How did the Directory succeed economically?

Answer 7

• standardised weights & measures
• more efficient new tax system
• metal coins halted inflation

Question 8

Explain the Conspiracy of Equals (March 1796)

Answer 8

• organised by Babeuf who wanted collectivisation
• coup supported by army and police
• nothing came of coup

Question 9

Why was there coups against the Directory?

Answer 9

• no conflict resolution in Directory
• executive can’t overrule legislature
• yearly elections = no continuity

Question 10

Describe the events of the Coup of Fructidor (4 Sep 1797)

Answer 10

• Pichegru (council of 500 president) framed and arrested, 177 royalist deputies arrested
• new legislation declared emigres as foreigners
• 2 moderate directors re-elected
• (Jan 1798) new electoral law to minimise royalists

Question 11

Describe the events of the Coup of Floreal (11 May 1798)

Answer 11

• after laws minimising royalists in Directory, there were losts of Jacobins which worried Directors
• introduced Law of 22 Floreal and purged over 100 deputies of council of 500

Question 12

Describe the events of the Coup of Prairial (18 June 1798)

Answer 12

• Sieyes becomes Director and proposed 2 directors stand down, they refused so he called Army general to purge them
• Directory kept overturning electoral results so became more dependent on army
• (July 1799) Sieyes introduced Law of Hostages due to increased Jacobin sentiment (local authorities can take action against radicals)
• (Nov 1799) Coup of Brumaire