Unit II: Lesson #2 “Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” Reaction to the Terror and the search for stability.

Lesson #2 “Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” I. The “Thermadorian” Reaction. Several uprisings against the COPS were ruthlessly suppressed. The COPS became increasingly paranoid and Robespierre came to believe that he was sent by the Supreme Being to save France. Danton and others begin to speak against the Terror.

Lesson #2 “Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” D. The Death of Marat 1. 17 July 1793 2. Charlotte Corday

Lesson #2 “Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” E. The Death of Danton 1. 5 April 1794 2. Danton was at once condemned, and led, in company with fourteen others to the guillotine. "not a man of them has an idea of government. Robespierre will follow me; he is dragged down by me. 3. In reference to his belief that Robespierre would meet a similar fate, his last words to the crowd were, "My only regret is that I am going before that rat Robespierre." (Danton's true last words, however, were addressed to his executioner: "Don't forget to show my head to the people. It's well worth seeing.")

Lesson #2 “Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” F. The Death of Robespierre 1. 28 July 1794 2. Wounded in the face. 3. Guillotined

Lesson #2 “Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” II. The Committee is replaced by the Directorate which controls the National Convention (1795-1799.) It is made up of three parts: 1. A group of six moderates. 2. Six ministers of Departments 3. Legislature of two councils: a. The “Elders” b. The Five Hundred.

Lesson #2 “Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” II. The Committee is replaced by the Directorate which controls the National Convention (1795-1799.) (cont’d) B. Acts as the Executive and Legislative Branches. C. It is weak and has little influence outside of Paris other than taxation and military commands. D. Within Paris it is influenced by “The Mob."

Lesson #2 “Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” II. The Committee is replaced by the Directorate which controls the National Convention (1795-1799.) (cont’d) E. Some successes of the Directory: 1. Revived the Constitution of 1791 and allowed voting. 2. Kept the National Army functional

Lesson #2 “Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” II. The Committee is replaced by the Directorate which controls the National Convention (1795-1799.) (cont’d) F. The Political Crisis of March 1797: 1. Free elections actually favor Royalists 2. Riots grow in Paris as the mob sees the Directory as corrupt and incompetent, unwilling to share power.

Lesson #2 “Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” III. Bonaparte: Young Corsican Army Officer The Hero of Toulon Saves the Directory 1. Takes charge of the artillery in Paris 2. Gives the mob a “Whiff of Grapeshot.” Marries Josephine de Beauharnis Assigned as France’s youngest General Becomes an even bigger hero. Big enough to become dangerous to the Directory.

“A Whiff of Grapeshot!”

“Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” IV. Bonapartism: Napoleon becomes the most active successful character that most French people know. He gets things done. He sweeps the Austrians from Italy in 1796. He beats the Sardinian Italians and gains territory for France. The Austrians ask HIM for peace when he nears Vienna. The Treaty of Campo Formio 1797.

The Bridge at Arcola

“Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” V. Paranoia. He is now the most famous general in Europe……and therefore becoming a threat to the power of the Directory. 1798 Napoleon is sent to Egypt for France. The 2nd Coalition of other countries is formed and France is losing at home. 1799 Napoleon escapes Egypt and comes back….with a vengeance.

“Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” VI. The Coup d’Etat. A. He marches back to Paris gaining support as he goes. B. He is not allowed to see the Directory so on 18 Brumiere (9 November) he storms the Directory with his “Old Guard.” They flee. C. Napoleon declares the Directory dissolved and a new Constitution is formed with a new form of government.

“Thermidor” and the Rise of “Bonapartism” VII. The Consulate. A. The government is now run by the Consulate, made up of three (very Roman) Napoleon is “First Consul.” B. France is now a Military Dictatorship wrapped in the veneer of a republic. C. He begins to build a new government based upon hiring the smartest people. “Careers based on talent.”