The Directory Flashcards
When was the new Constitution drawn up?
August 1795
What were the 3 main branches of power?
Directory of 5, Council of 500 and Council of Ancients
What did the Council of 500 do?
proposed leg. but didn’t vote on it
What did the Council of Ancients do?
voted on leg. but didn’t propose it
Strengths of Constitution
5.5/8 million men could vote, there was a 1 million electorate and elections took place annually
Weaknesses of Constitution
No prominent leader so leg. was hard to push through and lack of clear direction with different views.
What were the 1795 and 6 financial reforms?
They issued mandats in order to combat worthless 24 billion franc worth of assignats in Feb 1796, but these were counterfeited leading to metal currency
When did the Babeuf plot emerge?
May 1796
What was the Babeuf plot?
He was a Jacobin who called for a return to the terror- soldiers were in support.
When was Babeuf executed?
May 1797
What happened to grain collection in 1795?
weights and measures were standardised leading to prices decreasing in 1796 and 8
How did Finance Minister Ramel deal with debt?
1798- made tax collection more efficient and the issuing of mandats wrote off 2/3 of debts.
When was the Coup of Fructidor?
September 1797
What was the Coup of Fructidor?
After the April elections - royalists won seats so increased their seats by 182, Directors accused Pichegru (500) of contacting emigres.
What were the effects of the Coup of Fructidor?
177 royalist deputies arrested and returned emigres were given 2 weeks to leave they would be sentenced (160 were)
