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French Directory (1795-1799)
The French Directory was the fifth government of the French Revolution, which consisted of five directors. This new form of government was founded after the frightening Reign of Terror. Under this directory, the middle class, creating a less ideological form of government, ruled France. The directory used financial gain from wars to stabilize French currency.The directory faced challenges from wayward directors and monarchists, but it proved to be short lived as all the directors were replaced -
2. Napoleon’s coup d’etat of 18 Brumaire and the Constitution of 1799
Napoleon’s coup d’etat ended the French Directory, and brought him to power. With the military gaining more power in government, Napoleon persuaded politicians that the army would be a good base to restore just policy, which meant strengthening the executive branch versus the legislature. Napoleon and his followers rid the French Directors. The Constitution of 1799 deemed the French Consulate the sixth and last government of the French Revolution. -
The First Consul of the Consulate
Napoleon Bonaparte overthrew the previous revolutionary government known as the the French Directory in 1799. With the help of Emmanuel Sieyees, he created a constitution and they established a new government called the French Consulate. Napoleon was appointed as the first consul of France in 1802 and later the emperor of France in 1804. -
Concordat of 1801
Under the Concordat of 1801, Napoleon recognized Catholicism as the majority religion for France. In turn, the Church accepted the loss of confiscated church lands, religious freedom was maintained, and the pope was given the power to approve of priests appointed by the bishop. -
Code of Napoleon
The code of Napoleon is a set of civil laws that provide the basis many Frennch ans Spanish legal systems today. These laws incorporated the French Revolution ideals with the laws of France. It discussed liberty of the people regardless of social standing and basic freedoms along with marriage. This code was enforced by Napoleon in 1804. -
Battle of Austerlitz
The Battle of Austerlitz was between the French, Austrians, and Russians. In this battle, Napoleion Bonaparte of France was largely outnumbered, however, he had great military skill. Bonaparte was able to lead the French to victory. As a result, the Russians retreated back to Russia and the Austrians signed a peace treaty (Treaty of Pressburg) with France. Austria also had to pay a large sum of money and cede Venetia to France. -
The Continental System
Napoleon created the Continental System in order to undermine Britain, through a series of embargos and tariffs on British goods. He believed that these embargos would destroy their economy and instigate a number of revolts that would shut their government down, such as the poor shut down the government of France. While this system affected Britain, it had a worse affect on France, leading in to wars and invasions and ending with the eventual Battle of Waterloo. -
The Peninsula War
The Peninsula War started after Portugal refused to accept Napoleon's Continental System, resulting in the dictator sending troops through Spain to attack Portugal. This war was a serious drain on Napoleon's resources, aslo caused by the fact that Britain helped Spain free themselves from Napoleon, encouragin any resistance towards France. Due to the disorder the war caused, many Spanish colonies revolted, leading to the independence of Spanish America. -
The Invasion of Russia
After the czar of Russia began leaning towards Great Britain, Napoleon formed an army of around 500,000 men to attack. After this victory, Napoleon moved the troops towards Smolensk where he suffered huge losses, due to the cold weather, which led to the eventaul destruction of his army. More attacks by Russia led to an even further loss of French will to fight. While Napoleon looked for more troops, his vast empire began to spiral downwards and his influence in Europe began severly fading. -
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Battle of Leipzig
This battle was one of many battles that led to the collapse of the French Empire. Napoleon had to order a retreat during this war but the escape bridge had previously been blown up,so Napoleon and his army were taken as prisoners. After this war Napoleon was exiled to an island called Elba, off the coast of Italy. -
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Hundred Day Campaign
The Hundred Day Campaign was Napoleon's last attempt to regain power and control over France. After returning from exile, Napoleon planned to take back his empire. Napoleon failed in his attempt during this campaign. -
Battle of Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo was the final defeat of Napoleon. After coming back from Elba, Napoleon tried to regain control over France. Being forced to surrender, Napoleon lost followers and his reputation was shattered. After the defeat, Napoleon was exiled for a second time, but this time he was sent to St. Helena, and island in the south Atlantic.
