The impossible conservative republic 1795-1801

Résumé du document

The April 1791 elections brought about two meetings of royalist majority. The directors then took the initiative to rescue the Republic. They seeked for the support of an armed force. On the nights of 3 and 4 September 1797, the Army invaded. Elections were stopped. This apparent success sealed the defeat of the constitutional path. The legality is meaningless, strength is the mainspring of politics. The challenge 'We must be governed by the best' was specified. The best were the most educated. It embodies a view overlooking the Convention.

Extraits

[...] A treaty was signed in February 1795 with Chief Vendeen Charette. The peace remains precarious. Some are taking advantage of unrest and anti-terrorist laws to engage in a hunt for the Jacobins. The phenomenon results in a true white terror in some areas. On the death of Louis XVII (10 years) in prison in June, the Count of Provence took the title of Louis XVIII, and launched his proclamation of Verona, promising the restoration of the monarchy and the ancien regime. [...]

[...] In the provinces it is the work of circles smaller but very active. A Paris Club Pantheon, neo-Jacobin, knows a wide audience. Its members are divided between trust the system and completely disavow. Gracchus Babeuf defends the ideal of sharing of wealth that helps to close the club early 1796. Babeuf develops a new strategy: the revolution must be led by a vanguard. A "Secret Directory of hi public" is created, which coordinates a network for illegal seizure of power. [...]

[...] The campaigns of Italy and Germany (1796) General Bonaparte was appointed commander of the army of Italy. He manages to isolate his opponents from each other and defeat them in succession. Peace is signed with the King of Sardinia who abandons Nice and Savoy. A breakthrough from Germany to reach Austria is under Jourdan and Moreau. It fails. Offensive and preliminary peace In the early months of 1797, victory seemed close. Bonaparte won a victory against the Austrians, obtained the surrender of Mantua, and march on Vienna. England is weakened by rebellions. [...]

[...] The decline was evident compared to 1793. The exercise of sovereignty is carefully limited, qualified suffrage is restored. Several articles restricting freedom of the press, or association. A double division of powers is implemented: Executive and legislature can be dissolved, and each of these two powers are divided. There are 2 meetings (Veterans and Five Hundred), and 5 directors. Districts, too engaged in revolutionary action are removed. Beyond inhabitants, municipalities are divided. This is to avoid the power of the Paris Commune. [...]

[...] The directors then take the initiative to rescue Republican. They seek the support of an armed force. On the night of 3 to 4 September 1797 (Fructidor 17-18), the Army invests the capital and shall not Republican leaders. Threat of execution is any incentive for the restoration of the monarchy. Elections are broken. This apparent success sealed the defeat of the constitutional path. No solution to the conflict has been found in the functioning of institutions. The legality is meaningless, strength is the mainspring of politics. [...]