The Weakness of the Thermidorian Regime Flashcards
What is the Thermidorian Reaction?
The period from the ousting of Robespierre to inauguration of the French Directory on 1st November on 1795.
What was implemented?
A calendar used for twelve years by French government - 1793-1805
What parliamentary change did the Thermidorian Regime establish?
Bicameral legislation - drawn up 22nd August 1795.
When was the Convention dissolved?
25th October and replaced by the Directory on 2nd November 1795.
Why was the Regime considered too slow in determining policy?
The five member committee was slow.
How can the Regime be seen as too weak?
The unelected executive to dominate.
What political positives were there to the Regime?
-Succeeded in returning to parliamentary rule
-Paris commune purged of its radical elements
-Saw to decentralisation of executive powers.
What failings were there in the Regime regarding military?
Had been obliterated in the Battle of the Nile, 1798.
What military achievements enhanced the prestige of the regime?
- Forced Spain, Prussia and several German states to sue for peace after overrunning the Netherlands and establishing Batavian Republic.
-1796-7 - Defeated Piedmont and peace with Austria - 1798 - Egyptians defeated in Battle of Pyramids
What did the Regime socially fail to prevent?
The ‘White Terror’ - guerrilla warfare on streets of Paris.
Sent rebels to ‘dry guillotine’ - penal colony at French Guiana.
What was the impact of the Regimes social failings?
Demands for more justice, law and order and acceptance of the 1799 coup.
What did the Regime provide socially?
An end to the Reign of Terror - new money and time.
Why can the Regime be seen as to financially liberal?
Ended price controls on staple items such as bread.
What did the end of price control lead to?
Rapid rise in price, drop in value of assignats and food riots.
How much were assignats worth by Year III?
Worth less than 3% of their face value.
