Study Notes on the Directory and Rise of Napoleon Bonaparte

Focus on the period characterized by the Directory and later the Consulate.
Introduction of key figure Emmanuel Joseph Sayes, who influenced the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.

End of the Reign of Terror: Led by the Committee of Public Safety and Maximilian Robespierre.
The Directory: Established as the new government after the Terror's conclusion.
- Composition: Comprised five directors and two legislative bodies.
- Legislative Bodies:
- Council of Five Hundred: 500 members responsible for proposing laws.
- Ancients: 250 members, all over 40 years old, responsible for ratifying or vetoing laws.
Economic Challenges: Economic problems persisted throughout this period, amid ongoing wars from the early 1790s.

Oligarchic Structure: The Directory is defined as a government ruled by a small group of elites.
Political Power Dynamics:
- Centralization of authority: Restoration of centralized governance through representatives instead of local officials.
- Women's Political Clubs: Closed as part of the new order.
- Paris as Political Hub: Continued prominence of Paris for political activities.
- Erosion of Traditional Institutions: Institutions like the church and guilds diminished in influence, leading toward a more civic-oriented national identity.
Counter-Revolutionary Support: Popular movements among monarchists, royalists, and conservatives persisted during this time, showcasing the power of popular politics.

Philosophical Connection: Investigation into the influence of John Locke’s writings on political power and people's rights in relation to popular sovereignty during the Revolution.

Transition to Directory: New constitution established the Directory on October 26, 1795, after the National Convention's dissolution.
Comparative Government Structure: Similar to the National Assembly but without a monarchy.
Legislative Bodies Overview:
- Council of Five Hundred: Lower house with 500 delegates, drafts laws.
- Ancients: Upper house with 250 members, reviews and ratifies laws.
- Voting Structure:
- Voter Eligibility: Male property holders (27% of the male population) could vote.
- Conscripts: Young men aged 18-25 could vote regardless of property status, potentially skewing the demographic of voters.
Term Limits:
- Council of Five Hundred: One third of members (approx. 166) voted out every year.
- Ancients: Approximately 83–84 members replaced each year.
- Directors: Each served five years, with one rotating out annually to prevent concentration of power.

Government's Position: The Directory represented a blend of oligarchy and conservatism, countering the radical Jacobins while maintaining some revolutionary ideals.
Elector Structure: Approximately 30,000 electors elected representatives for national government, establishing indirect popular representation.

Royalist Uprising (October 1795): The Directory faced its first significant challenge through a royalist uprising, leading to military intervention using artillery.
- Significant Officer: A young artillery officer dispersed the crowds, future influential leader (Napoleon Bonaparte).

Continued Economic Issues: Persisted from 1795 to 1799 with attempts to stabilize.
Debt Cancellation (1797): Half of the national debt written off, leading to diminished confidence in the government both domestically and internationally.
Inflation Crisis: The value of currency (the assignat) dropped by 50% due to economic mismanagement and rising prices.
Military Dependence: Government reliance on military success as a stabilizing factor in maintaining political order.

Losses in Warfare: Notable defeats, including a destroyed fleet in Egypt (1799) and revolts in territories like Italy and the Austrian Netherlands.
Potential Jacobin Resurgence: The crises raised concerns about the possibility of another Jacobin coup.

Sayes' Initiative: Recognizing the need for action to stabilize France, Emmanuel Sayes sought to overthrow the Directory.
Partnership with Napoleon Bonaparte: Recalling the Corsican artillery officer who quelled the royalist uprising in 1795, resulting in a significant shift in power dynamics.
- Napoleon Bonaparte's Historic Context: This figure would later emerge prominently in European history, with imagery depicting his ascendancy (painting depicting Napoleon crossing the Alps).

Anticipation of Further Discussion: Future lectures will delve deeper into Napoleon Bonaparte's role and contributions to French and European history, particularly his military exploits and political strategies.