Key question 3 france Flashcards
Why was Napoleon Bonaparte able to overthrow the Directory in 1799?
Napoleon exploited widespread dissatisfaction with the Directory, gained support from key political figures like Abbé Sieyès, and used his military influence to stage the Coup of Brumaire.
What were the aims of the Directory?
The Directory aimed to stabilize France after the turmoil of the Revolution, prevent the return of monarchy, and curb extremist factions from both the left and right.
When did the Convention draw up another constitution?
The Convention drew up the Constitution of Year III in 1795.
What were the two councils?
The two councils were the Council of Five Hundred and the Council of Ancients.
How many members did each council have?
The Council of Five Hundred had 500 members, and the Council of Ancients had 250 members.
What were their roles?
The Council of Five Hundred proposed legislation, and the Council of Ancients reviewed and approved or rejected proposals.
Who were the five first Directors?
The initial Directors included Paul Barras, Jean-François Rewbell, Louis-Marie de La Révellière-Lépeaux, Étienne-François Le Tourneur, and Lazare Carnot.
What was the new constitution aimed to be?
The Constitution of Year III aimed to be a moderate and balanced government, avoiding the extremes of monarchy and radical republicanism.
Who had gained from the Revolution?
The bourgeoisie and wealthy landowners gained the most, as they acquired land and wealth during the Revolution.
What problems did the Directory face?
The Directory faced economic instability, political corruption, opposition from royalists and radicals, and reliance on military support to maintain power.
Why did the Directory have the support of the army
The army benefitted from the Directory’s reliance on military successes to stabilize France and protect it from foreign threats.
Who was ‘Gracchus’ Babeuf?
Babeuf was a radical revolutionary who led the Conspiracy of Equals, advocating for communist ideas, which the Directory suppressed.
What were the elections under the Directory?
Elections were held annually to renew one-third of the legislature, but they were often marred by interference and corruption.
What is the Coup of Fructidor?
The Coup of Fructidor (1797) was a seizure of power by the Directors to prevent royalist gains in the legislature, supported by the army.
Why was the Directory not liked?
The Directory was unpopular due to corruption, economic struggles, military reliance, and its failure to address the needs of the lower classes.
