Anti-British Circular
Talleyrand issued a diplomatic circular portraying Britain as France's remaining principal enemy after peace with Austria.
Historical events in 1798
145 historical records
January 17985 historical events
Conscription Report
Jourdan presented a report proposing a new system for recruiting France's armies and developing the principle that became military conscription.
Army of England Appointment
Massena was assigned to the Army of England while French leaders considered operations against Britain.
Birth of Auguste Comte
Auguste Comte is born in Montpellier into a conservative Catholic family.
Egypt Strategy Talks
Talleyrand met Bonaparte to discuss an expedition to Egypt as an alternative means of striking British interests.
February 17985 historical events
Occupation of Papal States
Massena commanded troops detailed to occupy the Papal States during French intervention in central Italy.
Support for Egyptian Expedition
Talleyrand presented arguments favouring the conquest of Egypt and supported the expedition as part of a wider Mediterranean strategy.
Alliance Napoleon I and Cisalpine Republic
An alliance is concluded with the Cisalpine Republic
Army Mutiny
Massena relinquished command after a mutiny among troops serving in the Papal States.
Intervention in Papal States
Talleyrand supported French policy that contributed to the overthrow of papal government and the establishment of a republic in Rome.
March 17983 historical events
Invasion of Egypt
Approves an expedition to Egypt
Recall by Directory
The Directory recalled Massena after the mutiny that disrupted his command in the Papal States.
Swiss Revolution Diplomacy
Talleyrand supported French diplomatic involvement in Switzerland as revolutionary change produced the Helvetic Republic.
May 17989 historical events
Ambassador to Berlin
Sieyes was appointed French ambassador to Berlin and spent about a year representing the Directory in Prussia.
Plot
A shot is fired at George III in a Drury Lane theater. A failed assassination attempt takes place during a review in Hyde Park
Egypt Expedition Departs Toulon Harbour
Bonaparte's fleet sailed from Toulon with the Army of the Orient. The embarkation returned the port to prominence as the starting point of an ambitious Mediterranean campaign.
Departure from Council of Five Hundred
Tallien left the Council of Five Hundred at the end of his legislative term.
Embarkation for Egypt
Napoleon embarked for Egypt with the Army of the Orient, beginning the expedition intended to challenge British influence in the eastern Mediterranean.
Reballion of Rebels in Wexford
May 23-June 21, a rebellion takes place in Wexford
Reballion of Rebels in Wexford
May 23-June 21, a rebellion takes place in Wexford
Theophilanthropy
La Revelliere-Lepeaux supported Theophilanthropy as a civic religious movement intended to encourage morality outside traditional Catholic institutions.
Toulon Fleet
Loses contact with the French fleet and convoy from Toulon.
June 17983 historical events
Capture of Malta
Napoleon captured Malta during the voyage to Egypt, removing the Knights of Saint John from control of the island.
Invasion of Egypt
After 6 weeks at sea 5,000 land at Marabut & quickly occupy Alexandria
Capture of Alexandria
A force of 5,000 land at Marabut & occupty Alexandria, left in the hands of General Kleber
July 17989 historical events
Invasion of Egypt
Lands in Egypt
Capture of Alexandria
Napoleon captured Alexandria after landing in Egypt, establishing the first major French base for the campaign.
Battle of Pyramids
The Marmelukes are defeated by Napoleon
Battle of the Pyramids
Napoleon defeated Mamluk forces at the Battle of the Pyramids, opening the way for French occupation of Cairo.
Battle of Pyramids
Napoleon marches south from Alexandria & is met by an army of 8,000 Marmelukes at Giza. Defeats the Marmelukes within 2 hours
Entry into Cairo
Napoleon entered Cairo after the Battle of the Pyramids and began organising French administration in Egypt.
Egypt Expedition
Tallien joined the Egyptian expedition as a civilian intellectual and later participated in the Institut d'Egypte and its publications.
Capture of Alexandria
Napoleon leaves Alexandria in the hands of General Jean Kleber
Capture of Alexandria
Napoleon leaves Alexandria in the hands of General Jean Kleber
August 17987 historical events
Battle of the Nile
Nelson destroyed much of the French fleet at Aboukir Bay, leaving Napoleon's expedition isolated from France by sea.
Battle of the Nile
Commands the French fleet defeated at the Battle of the Nile.
Alexandria
Finds the French fleet at anchor in Aboukir Bay.
Battle of the Nile
Wins a decisive victory over the French fleet at the Nile.
Vanguard
Commands from HMS Vanguard during the Battle of the Nile.
Battle of Pyramids
Appointed General of Brigade on the field of Battle of the Pyramids
Institute of Egypt
Napoleon helped establish the Institut d'Egypte to organise scientific study, research and technical work during the occupation.
September 17981 historical events
Jourdan-Delbrel Law
The legislature adopted the Jourdan-Delbrel law establishing conscription and compulsory military service as a permanent basis for army recruitment.
October 17982 historical events
Cairo Revolt
A major uprising erupted in Cairo against French rule, and Napoleon's forces suppressed the revolt after intense fighting.
Ambassador to Milan
Fouche received a diplomatic appointment to Milan after sending Barras a detailed political memorandum.
November 17982 historical events
Baron Nelson
Is created Baron Nelson after the Nile victory.
Capture of Rome
Mack captures Rome
December 17986 historical events
Commander of Army of Helvetia
Massena was appointed commander of the Army of Helvetia as France prepared for renewed campaigning in Switzerland.
Arrival at Zurich
Massena arrived at Zurich to take up his Swiss command and was placed under Jourdan's higher operational authority.
Journey to Suez
Napoleon left Cairo for Suez to inspect the region and examine strategic possibilities connected with the Red Sea.
Alliance Great Britain and Russia
An Anglon alliance Treaty is concluded
Arrest of Karl Mack
Mack is arrested by the French
Canal Survey
Orders surveys of the Suez Isthmus while considering a canal between the Mediterranean and Red Sea.
Birth of Pedro I
Birth of Pedro I, son of John VI of Portugal
Secretary of Assembly
Appointed Secretary of the Assembly
Diplomatic Posting to Berlin
The Directory sent Sieyes to represent France at the Prussian court, where preventing Prussia from joining hostile coalitions was a central concern.
Negotiations Amid Second Coalition Threat
As European diplomacy turned against France, Sieyes tried to preserve neutral relations with Prussia rather than invite another northern military front.
American envoys dispute French diplomatic demands
Negotiations with American representatives deteriorated into the affair later known as XYZ. Intermediaries demanded payments, damaging relations and generating fierce controversy over French diplomacy.
Egypt expedition exposes mismatch between diplomacy and war
Bonaparte launched the Egyptian campaign while Talleyrand remained in France. The operation created diplomatic challenges when its military ambitions exceeded prospects for regional agreement.
Foreign minister supports Egyptian strategy
Talleyrand was involved in discussions of a French expedition to Egypt. Supporters viewed the campaign as a way to challenge British influence in eastern trade.
French diplomacy engages formation of sister republics
Talleyrand served while French power helped reshape the political order in Switzerland and Italy. Diplomacy increasingly had to manage governments established under French military pressure.
XYZ Affair inflames conflict with United States
Disclosure of demands made through French intermediaries led to outrage in the United States. Talleyrand's ministry faced the consequences of a diplomatic confrontation that contributed to the Quasi-War.
Egypt Expedition Begins Under Directory
Bonapartes expedition to Egypt launched during La Revelliere Lepeauxs directorial tenure and expanded French military ambitions into the eastern Mediterranean.
Floreal Elections Become Executive Controversy
The Directory oversaw another disputed legislative election cycle, and the annulment of unwanted results again damaged representative legitimacy.
Opposition to Catholic Political Influence
He associated some clerical networks with royalism, supporting government vigilance even as restrictions on religious activity provoked resistance.
Second Coalition Threatens French Gains
France faced a widening European coalition, placing increasing pressure on the Directorys military leadership and capacity to fund warfare.
Theophilanthropy Gains Official Visibility
During 1798 La Revelliere Lepeaux continued to favor civic religious observances as part of the republics wider struggle over public morality.
Third Directorial Presidency Opens
La Revelliere Lepeaux began a third rotating term as president in November 1798 while the republic confronted new international dangers.
Directory finances under strain Barras
The costs of war and administration put persistent pressure on the French treasury. Barras and his colleagues relied on contested taxation and military successes to maintain their government.
Egyptian expedition launched under Directory Barras
The Directory approved Bonaparte's expedition to Egypt as part of its struggle with Britain. Barras shared executive responsibility for the decision, although the overseas campaign increasingly enhanced the general's independent profile.
Floréal purge protects Directory majority Barras
The Law of 22 Floréal invalidated numerous election results favorable to neo-Jacobins. Barras benefited from the executive's ability to blunt legislative opposition through exceptional electoral measures.
French influence in sister republics debated Barras
The Directory intervened in neighboring republics and relied on French soldiers to sustain political settlements abroad. Barras was among the Directors responsible for this ambitious and costly foreign policy.
Army of England inspection Bonaparte
Bonaparte examined the prospects for invading Britain and judged a direct expedition problematic. Discussion increasingly turned toward operations against British interests in the Mediterranean and Egypt.
Battle of Shubra Khit Bonaparte
French infantry formations repulsed Mamluk cavalry near Shubra Khit during the advance toward Cairo. The action illustrated the tactical differences between the invading army and its opponents.
Battle of the Pyramids Bonaparte
Bonaparte defeated Mamluk forces near Cairo by organizing his infantry into defensive squares. The victory opened the capital to French occupation but did not secure control of all Egypt.
Cairo uprising suppressed Bonaparte
A major revolt broke out against French occupation in Cairo. Bonaparte's troops used force to suppress the insurrection, exposing the limits of efforts to secure cooperation through proclamations.
Destruction of French fleet at Aboukir Bonaparte
Nelson's victory over the French fleet left Bonaparte's land army largely isolated from France. The loss changed the strategic position of the Egyptian expedition despite earlier successes on land.
Egyptian expedition departure Bonaparte
Bonaparte sailed with a large French expedition intended to threaten British influence through Egypt. The operation combined a military campaign with a commission of scholars and specialists.
Entry into Cairo Bonaparte
Bonaparte entered Cairo and attempted to establish French authority through proclamations and local councils. Egyptian opposition persisted despite the defeat of Mamluk forces.
Institut d'Egypte established Bonaparte
Bonaparte sponsored the Institut d'Égypte as a forum for scientific and scholarly work during the occupation. Its members examined Egyptian antiquities, geography, economy and natural history.
Landing near Alexandria Bonaparte
Bonaparte's forces landed on the Egyptian coast and captured Alexandria. The landing established a foothold for the inland advance against Mamluk forces.
Occupation of Malta Bonaparte
The French expedition captured Malta from the Knights of Saint John while sailing toward Egypt. Bonaparte reorganized the island's administration before continuing eastward.
Disputed department returns invalidated Council of Five Hundred
Elections in several departments were invalidated or replaced during the Floréal purge. The Five Hundred became both a participant in the dispute and a beneficiary of the removal of unwanted challengers.
Electoral law disputes revive Council of Ancients
The election cycle of Year VI again raised disputes over who could take seats in the legislative councils. Political factions sought procedural methods to prevent opponents from turning electoral victories into parliamentary power.
Annual rotation renews council membership Council of Ancients
The constitution's annual replacement of one third of each council continued to alter parliamentary coalitions. This mechanism was intended to prevent wholesale legislative upheaval but repeatedly generated contested elections.
Upper council's assent to contested results Council of Ancients
The Council of Ancients had to review measures determining which deputies were legitimately elected. Its decisions in the Floréal crisis illustrated how electoral disputes could become struggles over control of parliament.
Jourdan conscription law receives approval Council of Ancients
The legislative process produced the Jourdan-Delbrel law establishing military service obligations for young French men. Approval through the two councils gave the Directory a more durable recruitment framework.
Jourdan-Delbrel law adopted Council of Five Hundred
The legislation of 19 Fructidor Year VI established a framework for compulsory military service. Passage through the councils transformed citizen military duty into a continuing republican institution.
Military recruiting legislation debated Council of Ancients
Renewed coalition threats increased pressure for a more systematic military recruitment law. The two councils considered obligations needed to replenish republican armies without relying solely on improvised emergency levies.
Military service bill introduced Council of Five Hundred
Jourdan championed a more systematic national recruitment system as France prepared for further warfare. Debate in the Five Hundred linked republican citizenship with liability for military service.
Renewed coalition danger debated Council of Five Hundred
Worsening diplomatic relations suggested that France would soon face a broader European coalition. Deputies discussed military manpower and appropriations while the Directory pursued an ambitious foreign policy.
Floréal vote excludes elected Jacobins Council of Five Hundred
The Law of 22 Floréal led to the exclusion of numerous newly elected deputies linked to the neo-Jacobin opposition. The measure demonstrated that electoral results were vulnerable to legislative annulment.
Tallien completes council term Council of Five Hundred
Tallien's tenure in the Council of Five Hundred ended during the rotation of representatives. His departure illustrated how the constitutional cycle could remove even prominent former Convention leaders.
Fiscal revenue review amid continental campaigns Council of Ancients
Expensive military operations in Europe and overseas strained public finance. The Ancients weighed revenue and expenditure measures submitted through the lower council as the Directory searched for solvency.
Floréal electoral exclusions Council of Ancients
The Law of 22 Floréal annulled or altered election results that favored neo-Jacobins. Legislative approval enabled the Directory's supporters to blunt an unwelcome political shift through electoral invalidation.
Church-state tensions in republican policy Council of Ancients
Measures concerning religious congregations, public worship and clerical influence continued to reach the legislature. The Council of Ancients served as the final parliamentary checkpoint before such policies could take legal effect.
Central schools and education finances examined Council of Five Hundred
The lower chamber discussed the cost and structure of public schooling under the Directory. Financial constraints prevented many educational reforms from functioning as originally envisioned.
National education policy reconsidered Council of Ancients
Legislators continued examining the structure and finance of public education under the Directory. The Ancients reviewed measures affecting schools, teachers and the state institutions established during the Revolution.
Delbrel supports national conscription framework Council of Five Hundred
Deputy Pierre Delbrel worked with Jourdan on the legislation that organized military obligations by age. The measure aimed to replace ad hoc mass mobilization with a permanent statutory system.
Plenipotentiary to the court of Berlin in order to try to induce
Plenipotentiary to the court of Berlin in order to try to induce Prussia to make common cause against the 2nd Coalition
Chief of Staff
Appointed Chief of Staff in Switzerland
General
Appointed General of the Brigade
Commander in Chief
Appointed "Commander of the army against England"
Treaty of Campo Formio
After the Treaty of Campo Formio Britain remains the only country at war with France
Atlantic Naval Yards Receive Inspection
Inspection duties involved checking port facilities and the quality of warship construction. Its wider importance lay in lowering variation between warship types.
Pyrenean Timber Supplies Evaluated
Sane's responsibilities included examining suitable timber resources for naval building. The decision affected how hull size and armament were balanced.
Sane Named Inspector Of Naval Construction
A naval inspection appointment gave Sane oversight across Atlantic and Channel dockyards. The improvement promoted consistent handling or construction across naval yards.
Birth of Trehouard de Beaulieu
Birth of Trehouard de Beaulieu
Chief of Staff
Appointed Chief of Staff in Switzerland
General
Appointed General of the Brigade
Commander in Chief
Appointed "Commander of the army against England"
Battle of Cairo
Commands at the Battle of Cairo
Capture of Malta
Malta succumbs within 2 days without a shot being fired. Arrives off Malta, which belongs to the Order of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem
Jena Professorship
Schelling takes up his first professorship at Jena.
Posthumous Works Collection Issued
Godwin edited and published Wollstonecraft's posthumous writings, including fiction and unfinished educational material.
Wrongs of Woman Published
Godwin published Wollstonecraft's unfinished novel Maria or The Wrongs of Woman posthumously.
An Essay on the Principle of Population
Publication of "The Essays on the Principles of Population"
Lyrical Ballads
Publication of "Lyrical Ballads"
Alliance Great Britain, Russia, Portugal, Naples, Austria and Turkey
Joins Russia, Portugal, Naples, Austria & the Turkey after the victory of the Nile
Budget
Imposes 1d more stamp duty on British newspapers
Budget
Prohibits imports of foreign newspapers
Budget
Proposes an income tax of 2s in the pound
Income Tax
Proposes an income tax of 2s in œ1
Reballion of United Irishmen
Wolfe Tone leads an abortive rebellion of the United Irishmen
Reform of Catholic Rights
Forces George III to drop Catholic Emancipation after the rebellion of Ireland
Viceroy
Appointed Viceroy of Ireland
Chief Secretary
Appointed Chief Secretary for Ireland
Lord Privy Seal
Appointed Lord Privy Seal for Ireland
The Principle of Population
Publication of "The Principle of Population"
Cavendish Experiment
Measures Earth's density with a torsion balance, enabling later determination of the gravitational constant.
Commander in Chief
Appointed Commander of the forces in Scotland
Reballion of United Irishmen
Wolfe Tone leads an abortive rebellion of the United Irishmen
Reballion of Rebels in Wexford
Suppresses an Irish rebellion
Invasion of Ireland
Forces France to give up the invasion of Ireland by defeating a rebellion
Naples
Becomes increasingly close to Nelson during his Naples period.
Mediterranean Pursuit
Searches for Napoleon's expedition across the Mediterranean.
Naples
Receives celebration at Naples after the Battle of the Nile.
Reballion of United Irishmen
Wolfe Tone leads an abortive rebellion of the United Irishmen
Abdication
Forced to abdicate in favor of his brother Victor Emmanuel
Rule of Hokkaido
The Shogunate begins to colonize Hokkaido
Death of Stanislaw II
Death of Stanislaw II
Reform of Immigration Law
Passes the Alien & Sedition Acts
Secretary of North West Territory
Appointed Secretary of the North West Territory
Legislation
Secretly co-authores, along with Thomas Jefferson, the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions in 1798 to protest the Alien and Sedition Acts
Alien and Sedition Acts
Secretly co-authores, along with Thomas Jefferson, the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions in 1798 to protest the Alien and Sedition Acts
Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
Secretly co-authores, along with Thomas Jefferson, the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions in 1798 to protest the Alien and Sedition Acts