Thermidorian reaction

Thermidorian Reaction (Conservative Phase)

• Committee of Public Safety (CPS) Dissolved
  The radical Committee of Public Safety, responsible for the Reign of Terror under Robespierre, was abolished, signifying a shift away from extreme revolutionary policies.

• Churches Come Back
  Religion was gradually restored after years of dechristianization, allowing churches and religious practices to return, although under state control.

• Laissez-Faire (Capitalism) Takes Over
  The government moved towards economic liberalization, reducing state control and encouraging a more laissez-faire, capitalist approach, reversing earlier controls on the economy.

• Bourgeoisie and Salons Come Back
  Wealthy middle-class (bourgeois) society and intellectual salons regained influence, reflecting a shift towards pre-revolutionary social structures.

• Political Corruption Increases
  The new government, led by the Directory, faced accusations of corruption, as officials used power for personal gain and failed to address social and economic issues.

• CPS Replaced by Directory (5-Man Oligarchy)
  The Directory, a five-member executive body, replaced the Committee of Public Safety. This new system was intended to stabilize France but ultimately proved inefficient and corrupt.

• Inflation Increases
  Economic instability continued, with inflation worsening due to poor financial management, creating further hardship for the population.

• Napoleon’s Coup Takes Over Government (1799)
  The Directory’s weaknesses led to a coup by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799, effectively ending the Thermidorian Reaction. He established himself as First Consul, marking the start of his rise to power.

• Coup d'État
  This term refers to the sudden overthrow of the government by force. Napoleon’s coup d'état of 1799 ended the revolutionary government, leading to the Consulate and, eventually, the French Empire.