Coup of 18 Brumaire

Quick Facts: Who was Coup of 18 Brumaire?

Subject:

Coup of 18 Brumaire

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The 1799 coup that overthrew the Directory and brought Napoleon Bonaparte to power.

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Origins & Early Life

The Coup of 18 Brumaire (French: Coup d'État du 18 Brumaire) brought Napoleon Bonaparte to power as First Consul of the French First Republic. In the view of most historians, it ended the French Revolution and would soon lead to the coronation of Napoleon as Emperor of the French. This bloodless coup d'état overthrew the Directory, replacing it with the French Consulate. This occurred on 9 November 1799, which was 18 Brumaire, Year VIII, under the short-lived French Republican calendar system. The French Republic, under the leadership of the Directory, had been at war with the major European powers since 1792.

Career & Major Achievements

The introduction of a new tax system, which was perceived as unfair, and rising prices due to poor harvests meant that the Directory lost the support of the population. In May 1799, Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès had been elected to the Directory, where he steadily consolidated his power. As a staunch opponent of the Constitution of 1795, which granted the Directory only limited powers and no parliamentary control, he saw a coup d’état as the only way to achieve his goals. Sieyès was looking for a sword – a strong man who would help restore the Republic in accordance with his vision, without pursuing his own political ambitions. Sieyès therefore did not initially have Napoleon in mind, but rather General Joubert.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

As Joubert was a political unknown, he hoped to be able to control him more easily. However, when Joubert fell at the Battle of Novi in August 1799, he turned to Napoleon, having been advised to do so by General Moreau. Napoleon had arrived in Paris on 16 October. The reception he received from the Directory was lukewarm. Although Bernadotte’s proposal for a court-martial was rejected, the general atmosphere remained aloof.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1792: 1792 Milestone — The French Republic, under the leadership of the Directory, had been at war with the major European powers since 1792.
2. 1795: 1795 Milestone — As a staunch opponent of the Constitution of 1795, which granted the Directory only limited powers and no parliamentary control, he saw a coup d’état as the only way to achieve his goals.
3. 1799: 1799 Milestone — This occurred on 9 November 1799, which was 18 Brumaire, Year VIII, under the short-lived French Republican calendar system.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Coup of 18 Brumaire

True or False: “The Coup of 18 Brumaire was an entirely bloodless affair with no resistance from the ruling body.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While described as a 'bloodless coup d'état,' there were immediate confrontations and protests within the legislative bodies.

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