You need to be able to answer these questions!!!

1. You need to be able to answer these questions!!! • How important were the following factors in the coup’s success? Role of Sieyes & Napoleon Public opinion towards end of 1799 Disillusionment with the Directory Support of the property owning classes Political apathy Role of the army Lucien Bonaparte and supporters

2. Alexis de Tocqueville 19th century French historian– “one of the worst conceived and worst conducted coups imaginable, which succeeded only by… the state of mind of the public and the disposition of the army”. Discuss!! Role of Sieyes & Napoleon - Planned coup but councils indecisiveness and Napoleon's impatience changed plan. Did Napoleon always plan to seize power? Public opinion towards end of 1799 – difference of opinions – some argue that social and economic crisis but now largely discredited as post directory propaganda Disillusionment with the Directory – tolerated not accepted. Wide range of opposition. But still longest lasting since revolution but weak and reliant on the army Support of the property owning classes – 1795 constitution = principle of ownership – were they moving back to a gmt that would take back land etc. Political apathy – little political reaction to the coup. Role of the army – 1799 use of army in politics accepted. Put troops under napoleons control, nap had paid his troops with booty, Lucien Bonaparte and supporters = supporters in the ancient and 500 bribed support from rest. No real opposition to moving to Saint cloud. Election of Lucien as president of 500 – crucial to success as took initiative when council of 500 turned against brother.

3. Why did the Directory survive for so long? What was the most important reason?

4. Why did the Directory fail?How far was Napoleon responsible for the failure of the Directory?

5. How far was Napoleon to responsible for the failure of the Directory?

6. Responsible Not responsible Directory – too much change too quickly The directory had inherent weaknesses e.g. Council of Ancients and Council of 500 may not work together. No one person in ultimate charge Economic crisis still serious – directory found it difficult to deal with it. Measures introduced were unpopular Royalist support - did well in elections = rise in support of constitutional monarchy. Directory actions at manipulating elections. Various plots e.g. Babeuf War = defeats in Europe and with Britain. • Napoleon’s success in war • Napoleons popularity • Need for a figurehead for coup • Napoleon’s actions in the coup.