Establishment of the Directory

• The National Convention abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic.
• The Constitution of 1795 was adopted, establishing the Directory as the ruling government.
• The Directory took power, consisting of five directors.
• The Directory faced internal opposition and external threats.
• The Directory implemented policies to stabilize the economy and control the military.

Following the turmoil of the Reign of Terror, the French Revolution saw the establishment of a new governing body called the Directory on 2 November 1795. The Directory was implemented under the Constitution of the Year III, which marked the end of the National Convention. This government was a response to the excesses of both the radical Jacobins and the conservative Thermidorians.

The Directory consisted of a bicameral legislature and an executive made up of five directors. The legislative body was divided into two assemblies: the Council of Ancients and the Council of Five Hundred. The Council of Ancients (which comprised 250 members) had the prerogative to accept or veto laws proposed by the Council of Five Hundred. The Council of Five Hundred was responsible for initiating legislation and consisted of, as the name implies, 500 members.

The directors were chosen by the legislature and held office for a term of five years, though in practice, political instability often led to frequent changes in leadership. This executive body was designed to prevent the concentration of power and to provide a balance that was lacking during the previous periods of Revolution. However, it was also intended to maintain control over factions that threatened the Republic, which included remaining Jacobins and royalists.

Despite these measures, the Directory faced numerous challenges from its inception. The government had to navigate economic hardship, including rampant inflation, food shortages, and widespread unrest. There was also ongoing military conflict, as France remained engaged in the War of the First Coalition against European monarchies (mainly Austria, Prussia, and Britain). These factors created a complex political environment that the Directory struggled to control effectively.

Corruption within the Directory further tainted its rule. Some directors were involved in financial scandals and dishonest dealings, which contributed to a general loss of public trust. This corruption, combined with the Directory's inability to resolve France's socioeconomic and military issues, led to increased disillusionment among citizens and politicians alike.

The Directory's tenure ended on 9 November 1799 (18 Brumaire Year VIII in the Revolutionary Calendar) when Napoleon Bonaparte orchestrated a coup d'état. This event marked the transition from the Directory to the Consulate, with Napoleon eventually becoming the First Consul and later Emperor of France. The Directory's downfall highlighted the difficulties of maintaining a stable republican government in the tumultuous aftermath of the Revolution.

• The Directory was established on 2 November 1795, marking a shift from the radical phase of the Revolution to a more moderate government.
• It was a five-member committee (hence the name 'Directory') intended to provide stability and prevent the extremes of the previous governments.
• The government faced significant challenges, including economic turmoil; inflation reached 300% in less than three years during the Directory's lifespan.
• Notably, the Directory was marked by political corruption and inefficiency, often relying on the military for stability and control.
• One of the most recognized leaders of the Directory was Paul Barras, who played a key role in the establishment but also in its downfall, due to his dealings with future dictator Napoleon Bonaparte.