LE 18 BRUMAIRE OU COMMENT NAPOLEON BONAPARTE A PRIS LE POUVOIR - UN JOUR POUR L'HISTOIRE #4

Summary

The video recounts the dramatic events surrounding Napoleon Bonaparte's coup d'état on November 9, 1799. Amidst political chaos, Bonaparte confronts a hostile assembly, facing threats of being declared an outlaw. With the help of loyal generals, he orchestrates a military intervention, dissolving the assembly without bloodshed. The coup marks the end of the Directoire and the establishment of the Consulate, positioning Bonaparte as the First Consul. This pivotal moment is framed as a necessary act amidst France's turmoil, contrasting with his nephew's bloodier coup fifty years later, and highlights the complexities of power and legitimacy in revolutionary France.

Takeaways

• 😀 Napoleon Bonaparte's coup d'état on 18 Brumaire (November 9, 1799) was a decisive military and parliamentary move to seize power.
• 😀 Despite initial resistance and threats to his life, Napoleon managed to overcome obstacles with the help of his brother Lucien and military leaders.
• 😀 Lucien Bonaparte played a key role in managing the Council of Five Hundred, declaring that they were under terror from a few radical representatives.
• 😀 Napoleon's coup was not marked by violence or bloodshed, as soldiers used force to dissolve the assembly without casualties.
• 😀 The coup led to the dissolution of the Directory government and the formation of the Consulate, with Napoleon named as the first consul.
• 😀 The 18 Brumaire coup was seen as a necessary response to France’s unstable situation and was deemed legitimate by many due to its popular support.
• 😀 Napoleon's rise to power was supported by his promise to restore order and end civil wars, gaining acceptance among the French populace.
• 😀 Despite its illegality, the coup was perceived as a 'necessary evil,' especially when compared to the later, bloodier coup by Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte in 1851.
• 😀 The coup demonstrated Napoleon's ability to manipulate both military and political power to achieve his goal of ruling France.
• 😀 Napoleon's success in the coup of 18 Brumaire marked the end of the Directorial regime and the beginning of a new phase in French governance, ultimately leading to his reign as Emperor.

Q & A

What was the significance of the date November 9, 1799, in French history?

November 9, 1799, corresponds to 18 Brumaire in the revolutionary calendar, marking the day Napoleon Bonaparte staged a coup d'état that ended the Directorial government and led to his rise as First Consul.

How did Bonaparte's physical condition affect his actions during the coup?

During the coup, Bonaparte experienced a moment of panic and nearly fainted due to the pressure of the situation, which demonstrated the intense stakes involved in his actions.

Who were the key military figures that supported Bonaparte during the coup?

Generals Murat and Lefebvre played crucial roles in supporting Bonaparte, providing military backup when he faced opposition in the Council of Five Hundred.

What actions did Lucien Bonaparte take in the Council of Five Hundred?

Lucien Bonaparte intervened in the council, declaring that a minority was threatening the assembly and dramatically asserting his brother's need for protection, which galvanized the military response.

What was the reaction of the deputies in the Council of Five Hundred to Bonaparte's presence?

The deputies reacted with hostility, accusing Bonaparte of being a tyrant and attempting to declare him hors la loi (outside the law), showcasing the charged political atmosphere.

How did the military's intervention alter the outcome of the coup?

The military's intervention was decisive, as they forcibly dissolved the assembly without bloodshed, leading to the successful establishment of Bonaparte's regime.

What was the outcome for the Directorial government after the coup?

The Directorial government was effectively dissolved, leading to the establishment of a consulate composed of three consuls, with Bonaparte being named First Consul.

How did the coup of 18 Brumaire compare to other coups in French history?

The coup of 18 Brumaire is often viewed as a modern coup, characterized by its relatively bloodless execution compared to the more violent coup led by Louis Napoleon in 1851.

What justification did supporters give for Bonaparte's actions?

Supporters argued that Bonaparte's coup was necessary to restore order in France, which was in a state of chaos and civil strife, thus legitimizing his illegal acquisition of power.

What role did the Council of Ancients play in the aftermath of the coup?

The Council of Ancients recognized the power vacuum created by the coup and voted to create a new government structure, ultimately establishing the consulate.