Revolução Francesa III: Diretório (1795 - 1799)

Summary

In this video, Professor Charles Camilo provides an in-depth exploration of the final phase of the French Revolution, known as the Directory (1795-1799). He discusses the political shifts, including the suppression of radical movements like the Jacobins and the rise of the bourgeoisie. The video covers the creation of the Constitution of Year III, which introduced a censitary vote and established the Directory as the new government. The video also highlights Napoleon Bonaparte's rise, culminating in his coup in 1799, which marked the end of the Revolution and the beginning of the Consulate period.

Takeaways

• 😀 The French Revolution's final phase, the Directory, lasted from 1795 to 1799 and aimed to stabilize the country after the turmoil of previous years.
• 😀 The Directory was created after the fall of the Jacobin government and the end of the Reign of Terror, as part of a counter-revolution by the Girondins and the Plain.
• 😀 The new 1795 Constitution, known as the Constitution of Year III, established a censitary voting system, religious freedom, political amnesty, and elections for the legislative power.
• 😀 The government under the Directory was composed of five directors (executive power) and two legislative bodies: the Council of 500 (lawmakers) and the Council of Ancients (senators).
• 😀 The Directory was formed with the intention of consolidating bourgeois gains and countering enemies of the Revolution, with a government led by the upper bourgeoisie in collaboration with the military.
• 😀 In 1795, the 'Conspiracy of Equals' was a revolutionary movement that sought social equality, the abolition of private property, and the establishment of communal living. It was ultimately suppressed by the government.
• 😀 The Directory faced widespread issues including lack of credibility, economic crises, and corruption, which eroded its support among the people.
• 😀 The French army, under the leadership of young general Napoleon Bonaparte, became the key institution trusted by the public during this period.
• 😀 Napoleon Bonaparte gained political influence through his military victories, particularly against Britain and the second coalition, and began orchestrating a military coup.
• 😀 The Directory officially ended in 1799 with Napoleon's coup, known as the 18 Brumaire, leading to the establishment of the Consulate and effectively marking the end of the French Revolution.

Q & A

What period does the Third and Final Phase of the French Revolution, known as the Directory, cover?

The Directory phase of the French Revolution lasted from 1795 to 1799.

What was the role of the Girondins and the Plain during the counter-revolution from 1793 to 1795?

The Girondins and the Plain organized a counter-revolution known as the 'Convention Terminated Lehane,' which aimed to suppress the Jacobins and monarchists through the 'White Terror,' canceling laws and reforms like the price control laws and formal education.

What was the significance of the Constitution of Year III (1795)?

The Constitution of Year III (1795) introduced the censitary vote, religious freedom, political amnesty, and elections for the legislative power. It was also responsible for creating the government institution known as the Directory.

How was the government of the Directory structured?

The Directory was led by five directors and included a bicameral legislative system: the Council of 500, which created laws, and the Council of Ancients, which approved or vetoed those laws.

Who was the President of the Directory, and when did they lead it?

The President of the Directory was Barras, and he led the government until 1799.

What was the goal of the Conspiracy of Equals in 1795?

The Conspiracy of Equals aimed to establish a more equal society by abolishing private property and implementing social equality. It was led by the poor and was influenced by the radical Jacobins and sans-culottes.

What happened to the leaders of the Conspiracy of Equals?

The leaders of the Conspiracy of Equals, including Gracchus Babeuf, were arrested and condemned without trial, as the government had little credibility at the time.

What role did Napoleon Bonaparte play during the Directory?

Napoleon Bonaparte, a young general, gained the trust of the people through military victories, particularly against Britain. His growing influence in the military and political sphere led him to orchestrate a coup to take control of France.

How did Napoleon Bonaparte come to power?

Napoleon Bonaparte came to power through a military coup known as the '18 Brumaire' in 1799. This marked the end of the Directory and the beginning of his rule as First Consul.

What was the political outcome of Napoleon's coup in 1799?

The political outcome was the collapse of the Directory and the establishment of a new form of government, the Consulate, under Napoleon Bonaparte's leadership.