French Directory
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| French Directory | |
|---|---|
| Government name | French Directory |
| Year start | 1795 |
| Year end | 1799 |
| State | French First Republic |
| Type | Directorial system |
| Leader title | Directors |
| Leader1 | Paul Barras |
| Leader2 | Louis Marie de La Révellière-Lépeaux |
| Leader3 | Jean-François Rewbell |
| Leader4 | Carnot |
| Leader5 | Lazare Carnot |
French Directory. The French Directory was a five-member executive council that governed France from 1795 to 1799, during the French Revolution. This period was marked by significant events, including the Reign of Terror, the Thermidorian Reaction, and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. The French Directory was established by the National Convention, which was dominated by Maximilien Robespierre, Georges Danton, and Louis Antoine de Saint-Just, and was influenced by the Committee of Public Safety and the Committee of General Security.
Introduction
The French Directory was formed in response to the need for a more stable and effective government, following the Fall of Robespierre and the end of the Reign of Terror. The new constitution, which established the French Directory, was ratified by the National Convention and put into effect on September 22, 1795. The French Directory was composed of five members, including Paul Barras, Louis Marie de La Révellière-Lépeaux, Jean-François Rewbell, Carnot, and Lazare Carnot, who were chosen by the Council of Five Hundred and the Council of Ancients. The French Directory was also influenced by the Institute of France, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, and the École Polytechnique.
History
The French Directory faced numerous challenges, including the War of the First Coalition, which involved Austria, Prussia, Great Britain, Spain, and other European powers. The French Directory also had to deal with the Royalist and Jacobin uprisings, as well as the Conspiracy of the Equals, led by Gracchus Babeuf and Philippe Buonarroti. The French Directory was also influenced by the Cisalpine Republic, the Ligurian Republic, and the Roman Republic (18th century), which were established by Napoleon Bonaparte during his Italian Campaign. The French Directory also had to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between France, Austria, Prussia, Great Britain, and Russia, which were shaped by the Treaty of Campo Formio, the Treaty of Leoben, and the Congress of Rastatt.
Structure and Function
The French Directory was a complex system of government, with a five-member executive council, a Council of Five Hundred, and a Council of Ancients. The French Directory was responsible for appointing ministers, including the Minister of War, the Minister of the Navy, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The French Directory also had to work with the National Guard, the Gendarmerie, and the Prefects, who were responsible for maintaining law and order in the Departments of France. The French Directory was also influenced by the Cour de cassation, the Tribunal de cassation, and the Conseil d'État.
Domestic Policy
The French Directory implemented several domestic policies, including the Law of the Maximum, which controlled prices and wages, and the Law of Suspects, which allowed for the arrest and detention of suspected Royalists and Counter-revolutionarys. The French Directory also established the Banque de France, which was responsible for managing the French franc and regulating the economy. The French Directory also had to deal with the Dechristianization of France during the French Revolution, which was led by Jacques Hébert and the Cult of Reason. The French Directory also supported the École centrale des travaux publics, the École des mines, and the École des ponts et chaussées.
Foreign Policy
The French Directory pursued an aggressive foreign policy, which included the Italian Campaign and the Egyptian Campaign, led by Napoleon Bonaparte. The French Directory also had to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries between France, Austria, Prussia, Great Britain, and Russia, which were shaped by the Treaty of Campo Formio, the Treaty of Leoben, and the Congress of Rastatt. The French Directory also established the Cisalpine Republic, the Ligurian Republic, and the Roman Republic (18th century), which were influenced by the Italian Jacobins and the Society of the Friends of the Constitution. The French Directory also had to deal with the Quasi-War, which was a naval conflict with the United States.
Fall of the Directory
The French Directory was eventually overthrown in the Coup of 18 Brumaire, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, who established the Consulate and became the First Consul of France. The French Directory was also weakened by the Royalist and Jacobin uprisings, as well as the Conspiracy of the Equals, led by Gracchus Babeuf and Philippe Buonarroti. The French Directory was also influenced by the Institute of France, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, and the École Polytechnique, which played a significant role in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of France during this period. The French Directory was eventually replaced by the Napoleonic Empire, which was established by Napoleon Bonaparte and lasted until the Bourbon Restoration.