France under the Directory

This insightful exploration of the years between Robespierre's fall and Bonaparte's rise reveals the significance of the Directory's role in shaping modern France.

On 9 Thermidor Year 2, the fall of Robespierre marked a significant turning point in French history, leading to the rise of the Directory. This period, culminating in Bonaparte's coup d'état on 18 Brumaire Year 8, is often overshadowed by these two dramatic events. However, France under the Directory reveals that the years in between were equally critical, shaping the political landscape of France and influencing the future of the nation.

Dr. Lyons employs recent research to provide a balanced view of the Thermidorean and Directorial regimes, challenging the prevailing narratives held by both Jacobin sympathizers and Bonapartist propagandists. While Jacobins viewed the Directory as a betrayal of revolutionary ideals, Bonapartist supporters painted it as a time of chaos and corruption. By addressing these myths, France under the Directory highlights the successes and failures of the Directory, emphasizing its continuity with the preceding Jacobin regime and the subsequent Consulate.

Despite facing immense challenges, including war, inflation, and food shortages, the Directory maintained a revolutionary spirit through its Republicanism and anticlericalism. It aimed to extend the Revolution's benefits across Europe while laying the groundwork for financial stability and administrative efficiency. This book illustrates how the interval between Robespierre's fall and Bonaparte's ascent was not merely a transitional phase but a period of vital importance in the evolution of modern France.