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Thermidor, the Directory and Napoleon, 1794 to 99
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The Terror ended with Robespierre's own execution. A weaker government followed, until a young general seized power.
The fall of Robespierre
Fearing they would be next, members of the Convention turned on Robespierre in July 1794 (the month of Thermidor in the revolutionary calendar).
He was guillotined. The Thermidorian Reaction ended the Terror: the Jacobin club was closed.
A White Terror saw revenge attacks on former Jacobins.
He was guillotined. The Thermidorian Reaction ended the Terror: the Jacobin club was closed.
A White Terror saw revenge attacks on former Jacobins.
The Directory, 1795 to 99
A new constitution set up the Directory: five Directors and two councils.
It faced royalist challenges: a royalist rising in Paris in 1795 was crushed by troops under Napoleon Bonaparte.
When royalists did well in elections, the coup of 18 Fructidor (1797) removed them.
It was also weakened by corruption and economic problems.
It faced royalist challenges: a royalist rising in Paris in 1795 was crushed by troops under Napoleon Bonaparte.
When royalists did well in elections, the coup of 18 Fructidor (1797) removed them.
It was also weakened by corruption and economic problems.
Napoleon's rise
Napoleon became famous for victories in Italy (1796 to 97).
In November 1799 (the coup of Brumaire) he overthrew the Directory and became First Consul, the most powerful man in France.
In November 1799 (the coup of Brumaire) he overthrew the Directory and became First Consul, the most powerful man in France.
Why did the Directory rely on the army?
- It faced threats from royalists and radicals.
- It lacked popular support and was seen as corrupt.
- So it used generals such as Napoleon to crush risings and overturn elections.
Answer: It was too weak and unpopular to survive without military force.
July 1794 (Thermidor): Robespierre executed; the Thermidorian Reaction and White Terror followed. The Directory (1795 to 99) faced royalist challenges, used the coup of Fructidor (1797) and was weakened by corruption. Napoleon seized power in 1799 as First Consul.
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