You need to be able to answer these
questions!!!
• How important were the following factors in the
coup’s success?
Role of Sieyes & Napoleon
Public opinion towards end of 1799
Disillusionment with the Directory
Support of the property owning classes
Political apathy
Role of the army
Lucien Bonaparte and supporters
Alexis de Tocqueville 19th century French historian– “one of the worst conceived and worst
conducted coups imaginable, which succeeded only by… the state of mind of the public and
the disposition of the army”. Discuss!!
Role of Sieyes & Napoleon - Planned coup but councils indecisiveness and Napoleon's
impatience changed plan. Did Napoleon always plan to seize power?
Public opinion towards end of 1799 – difference of opinions – some argue that social and
economic crisis but now largely discredited as post directory propaganda
Disillusionment with the Directory – tolerated not accepted. Wide range of opposition. But
still longest lasting since revolution but weak and reliant on the army
Support of the property owning classes – 1795 constitution = principle of ownership – were
they moving back to a gmt that would take back land etc.
Political apathy – little political reaction to the coup.
Role of the army – 1799 use of army in politics accepted. Put troops under napoleons control,
nap had paid his troops with booty,
Lucien Bonaparte and supporters = supporters in the ancient and 500 bribed support from
rest. No real opposition to moving to Saint cloud. Election of Lucien as president of 500 –
crucial to success as took initiative when council of 500 turned against brother.
Why did the Directory survive for so long? What was
the most important reason?
Many of their key opponents were discredited. Few wanted a return to
either the Jacobin Terror of Year II or to the absolute monarchy of
the ancien regime.
Whilst many people were prepared to accept a constitutional monarchy
the royalists themselves were deeply divided-between extremists who
supported the Verona Declaration and constitutional monarchists.
Public apathy also helped the Directory to survive-after six years of
revolution and three years of war, revolutionary enthusiasm had all but
disappeared.
The army supported the Directory, as a royalist restoration would mean
an end to war. Army officers did not wish to be deprived of an
opportunity provided by war for promotion of plunder.
Why did the Directory fail?
How far was Napoleon responsible for the failure of the Directory?
The directory had inherent weaknesses e.g. Council of Ancients and Council
of 500 may not work together. No one person in ultimate charge
Royalist support - did well in elections = rise in support of constitutional
Monarchy. Resorted to unconstitutional methods – various coups
War = 2nd coalition + defeats
Economic crisis still serious – Directory found it difficult to deal with it.
Measures introduced were unpopular e.g. forced loans.
Napoleon – success in war, popularity, figurehead for coup, role in coup.
How far was Napoleon to
responsible for the failure of the
Directory?
Responsible
• Napoleon’s success in war
• Napoleons popularity
• Need for a figurehead for
coup
• Napoleon’s actions in the
coup.
Not responsible
• Directory – too much change too
quickly
• The directory had inherent
weaknesses e.g. Council of
Ancients and Council of 500 may
not work together. No one person
in ultimate charge
• Economic crisis still serious –
directory found it difficult to deal
with it. Measures introduced
were unpopular
• Royalist support - did well in
elections = rise in support of
constitutional monarchy.
Directory actions at manipulating
elections.
• Various plots e.g. Babeuf
• War = defeats in Europe and with
Britain.