The Directory Flashcards
When were the Directory created and how did it function ?
Created in 1795, led by a five man executive. Chosen by the council of ancients from a list drawn up by the council of five hundred. Hold office for five years, every year one Director, chosen by rest, would be replaced. Directory were in charge of law enforcement, foriegn and military affairs.
Who were the council of Five hundrrd ?
ELected men over the age of 30. Responsible for initiating and drafting new legislation. Drafts would be passed to the second chamber, council of Ancients.
Who were the council of Ancients ?
250 men over the age of 40. Council would either approve or refuse the bills.
What were weaknesses of the new constitution of 1795 ?
1.system lacked leadershiip or clear direction
2.Directors were supposed to enforce laws they had no part in creating
3.Directors were supposed to organise the military, but had no control over finances necessary to do so.
4.Famine of 1795, bad harvests
How did the directory fail to solve the economic problems of France ?
Feb 1797, the assignat was abolished, following month the Directory introduced a new paper currency, called the mandate. However they valued the madate against the assignat (30 to one assignat) as a result the value of the mandate plummented. feb 1797 all paper currency was scrapped entirely. Returned to metal currency, even though there wasnt enough to go around.
Explain the events of Martial law under the Directory and the law they introduced ?
Bread riots and banditry triggered by famine and growing dislike to government reforms. Directory deemed it necessary to increase policing. A law introduced in June 1795, allowed the army to use military courts to try rebels and opponents of the government, in 1797 the Directory made these courts permament bodies.
The directory pushed to repress royalism, what methods did they take to do this ?
Clergy were blamed for the spread of royalism, they were exxpected to swear an oath of loyalty declaring their hate for monarchy. Those who refused were sentenced or deported. 10,000 priests were sent to ‘dry gullitone’ long journey to French colony of Guyana. Many churches were closed or sold. Suppression of catholic church made Directory claim of religious neutrality appear invalid.
What was the three man executive who replaced the directory called ?
The council ship
What was the coup of Flores
Directory pressured leaders in legislative body to expel 127 Newley appointed delegates.
