History of Wars Summary 3 - The Directory and the Rise of Napoleon in the French Revolution

After Robespierre's fall, radical Jacobin forces weakened in France, and a more moderate faction seized power. With the enactment of a new constitution in 1795, the Directory was established, and executive power was entrusted to five Directors. However, the Directory faced simultaneous challenges of political instability, economic hardship, and opposition from royalists and radicals. France was continuously at war with various European nations, and the military's influence grew. It was during this time that a young general, Napoleon Bonaparte, gained fame through his military successes. His victories against Austria and its allies in the Italian campaign, in particular, earned him national popularity. Amidst the ongoing political turmoil of the Directory, Napoleon began to intervene directly in politics. In 1799, Napoleon, along with his colleagues, staged a coup d'état, overthrowing the Directory and establishing the Consulate. He became the First Consul, effectively becoming the supreme ruler of France.