A Directory Rules France: Thermidorian Era’s New Hope

A Directory Rules France Means– period between 1795-1799 French government was under the control of the Directory, a new post created by the Thermidorian government.

Introduction

• In Part 9 of this chapter, we have learned how the Reign of Terror ended. In Part 10, we will learn about the emergence of a new government called The Thermidorian and the new constitution they introduced. We will also learn about the fall of the Thermidorians and the rise of Nepolean.

End of Jacobin Government

• After the Death of Maximilien Robespierre on 28th July 1794, the Jacobin government was ended.

Rise of the Thermidorian

• Then in July 1794, the Educated and wealthy middle class created a new group called the Thermidorian and established their government.

Origin of the word Thermidorian

• The word “Thermidorian” comes from a new calendar called “Revolutionary Calender” made during the French Revolution. Specifically, Thermidor is a month which comes between the 19th of July- the 17th of August.

Thermidorian’s New Constituion 

• Next, Thermidorians created a new constitution. As per the new constitution, 2 new posts were created within their government. They were:

1. They established 2 Legislative councils. They are responsible for making Laws and Decisions.
   1. They called The First Legislative Council as The Council of Five Hundred or Lower House
      1. It consists of 500 members. 
      2. They introduced new laws and explained the purpose and benefits of laws in the Court.
   2. They called The First Legislative Council The Council of Ancients or Elders or Upper House
      1. It consists of 250 members. 
      2. They are the one who approves and reject the laws introduced by the Lower House.
2. The Directory or Executive Branch of Government

• Moreover, Both the Legislative Council members were elected by people who owned property.
• In addition, The directory or Executive Branch of Government consists of 5 members. legislative council members chose and elected them as members of the directory. Each of the members had a specific power so no one could control everything which was a major problem with the Jacobin Government. 
• They were in charge of France under the Thermidorian government which made rules and decisions for the whole country.

Thermidorian government become Unstable 

• However, The Thermidorian government become unstable and ineffective due to the following reasons:
  • 5 members of the Directory did not agree on the Laws and decisions made by the 2 Legislative councils, resulting in a lot of arguments and Fights between them. This made the government unstable and ineffective.
  • Corruption in the Directory.

Napoleon Bonaparte’s Rise of Power

• Consequently, A strong and successful Military leader Napoleon Bonaparte saw the Thermidorian government’s weakness(they were fighting with each other) and took this situation as an advantage. He had become Army and political support. Therefore, He overthrew the government quickly with his army and political power and became the new leader and dictator of France.
  • A dictator is a leader who rules a country and makes decisions for his country. No one has the right to question the decision made. He is not chosen by democracy rather he chose himself to be a leader of a country.

The Ideas that inspired and Motivated the people of France even though the Government changed

• Even though France was ruled by 3 different governments, the ideas of Freedom, Equality and Nationalism remained important, powerful and motivated the people of France and other countries like Europe.

In Summary

• Firstly, After the execution of Robespierre, The Thermidorian Government under the Directory Rules France took charge of France.
• They established a new constitution. First, they created 2 new post
  • Council of Five Hundred or Lower house
    • This council consisted of 500 members. They introduced new laws and explained the purpose and benefits of laws in the Court.
  • Council of Ancients or Upper house
    • It consists of 250 members. 
    • They are the one who approves and reject the laws introduced by the Lower House.
  • Additionally, they established the Directory
    • It consists of Five members.
    • They were chosen by both legislative councils.
    • Each member had specific power, so no one could control everything which was a major problem with the Jacobin Government. 
• However, the  Thermidorian Government under the Directory Rules France, became insatiable and weak due to arguments and fights between the Directory and Legislative Council and corruption within the Directory.