The Directory (also called Directorate; French: le Directoire [diʁɛktwaʁ] ) was the system of government established by the French Constitution of 1795. It takes its name from the committee of five men vested with executive power. The Directory governed the French First Republic from 26 October 1795 (4 Brumaire an IV) until 9 November 1799, when it was overthrown by Napoleon Bonaparte in the Coup of 18 Brumaire and replaced by the Consulate. The Directory was continually at war with foreign coalitions, including Britain, Austria, Prussia, the Kingdom of Naples, Russia and the Ottoman Empire. It annexed Belgium and the left bank of the Rhine, while Bonaparte conquered a large part of Italy. The Directory established 29 short-lived sister republics in Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
The French army enters Rome: the birth of the Roman Republic
The Directory (also called Directorate; French: le Directoire [diʁɛktwaʁ] ) was the system of government established by the French Constitution of 1795.
Historical Significance
The Directory (also called Directorate; French: le Directoire [diʁɛktwaʁ] ) was the system of government established by the French Constitution of 1795.
Events Before
Albany replaces New York City as the capital of New York
Albany ( AWL-bə-nee) is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York. It is also the county seat of, and the most populous city in, Albany County.
Battle of Cape St. Vincent: British fleet under Admiral Sir John Jervis defeats larger Spanish fleet under Admiral Don J
Battle of Cape St. Vincent: British fleet under Admiral Sir John Jervis defeats larger Spanish fleet under Admiral Don José de Córdoba y Ramos near Cape St. Vincent, Portugal. Captain Horatio Nelson distinguishes himself.
The Last Invasion of Britain, launched by the French during the Revolutionary Wars, begins near Fishguard, Wales
The French Revolutionary Wars (French: Guerres de la Révolution française) were a series of sweeping military conflicts resulting from the French Revolution that lasted from 1792 until 1802.
Bank of England issues first £1 note
The Bank of England, which is now the central bank of the United Kingdom, British Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories, has issued banknotes since 1694.
Writer Mary Wollstonecraft marries philosopher and journalist William Godwin
Mary Wollstonecraft (also UK: ; 27 April 1759 – 10 September 1797) was an English writer and philosopher best known for her advocacy of women's rights.
Events After
Politician Henry Clay (21) weds Lucretia Hart in Lexington, Kentucky
Politician Henry Clay (21) weds Lucretia Hart in Lexington, Kentucky
Fur trader and explorer David Thompson (29) marries Metis woman Charlotte Small (13) at Île-à-la-Crosse
Fur trader and explorer David Thompson (29) marries Metis woman Charlotte Small (13) at Île-à-la-Crosse
The Rosetta Stone is found in the Egyptian village of Rosetta by French Captain Pierre-François Bouchard during Napoleon
The Rosetta Stone is found in the Egyptian village of Rosetta by French Captain Pierre-François Bouchard during Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign
Napoleon Bonaparte pulls off a coup and becomes the dictator of France under the title of First Consul
Napoleon Bonaparte pulls off a coup and becomes the dictator of France under the title of First Consul
The metric system is first adopted in France
The metric system is a system of measurement that standardises a set of base units and a nomenclature for describing relatively large and small quantities using decimal-based multiplicative unit...
More from the 1790s
Albany replaces New York City as the capital of New York
Albany ( AWL-bə-nee) is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York. It is also the county seat of, and the most populous city in, Albany County.
Russia appoints first Jewish censor to censor Hebrew books
Russia appoints first Jewish censor to censor Hebrew books
First US President George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address
The 1790 State of the Union Address was the inaugural State of the Union address, delivered by President George Washington to the United States Congress on January 8, 1790, at the Senate Chamber of…
French King Louis XVI sentenced to death by the National Convention during the French Revolution
Louis XVI was the last king of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on March 7, 1798?
- The Directory (also called Directorate; French: le Directoire [diʁɛktwaʁ] ) was the system of government established by the French Constitution of 1795. It takes its name from the committee of five men vested with executive power. The Directory governed the French First Republic from 26 October 1795 (4 Brumaire an IV) until 9 November 1799, when it was overthrown by Napoleon Bonaparte in the Coup of 18 Brumaire and replaced by the Consulate.
- Why is The French army enters Rome: the birth of the Roman Republic significant?
- The Directory (also called Directorate; French: le Directoire [diʁɛktwaʁ] ) was the system of government established by the French Constitution of 1795.