Ambassador to Holland
Fouche served as French ambassador in Holland before being recalled to take charge of the Ministry of Police.
Historical events in 1799
296 historical records
January 17991 historical events
February 17992 historical events
Syrian Campaign
Napoleon left Cairo with the main expeditionary force for the Syrian campaign against Ottoman forces.
Capture of El Arish
Napoleon's army captured the fortress of El Arish during the advance from Egypt into Ottoman Syria.
March 179913 historical events
Battle of Seedaseer
Tipu Sultan attacks allied forces at Seedaseer during the opening stages of the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War.
Capture of Jaffa
Napoleon's army captured Jaffa during the Syrian campaign, gaining a coastal position on the route toward Acre.
Battle of Coire
Massena fought at Coire during operations against Coalition forces in the Swiss theatre.
Arrival
Brunel lands at Falmouth and travels to London to pursue his engineering proposals.
Siege of Acre
Napoleon commences a 61 day siege of Acre against the Turks & British
Siege of Acre
Napoleon commences a 61 day siege of Acre against the Turks & British
Siege of Acre
Napoleon began the siege of Acre after advancing north from Jaffa, but Ottoman and British-supported defenders resisted repeated assaults.
Battle of Ostrach
Defeats the French under Jourdan in Italy
Battle of Feldkirch
Massena fought at Feldkirch during the difficult spring campaign against Austrian forces near the eastern Swiss frontier.
Battle of Stokach
Defeats the French under Jourdan in Italy
Battle of Stockach
Jourdan was defeated by Archduke Charles at Stockach and withdrew toward Strasbourg during the War of the Second Coalition.
Battle of Stokach
Replaces the wounded Lefebvre at the Battle of Stokach. Fights at the Battle of Stokach, French General Jourdan is defeated
Battle of Malavelly
Tipu Sultan's army contests the British-led advance at Malavelly before withdrawing toward Srirangapatna.
April 17992 historical events
Resignation of George Canning
Resigns as Under Secretary at the Foreign Office
Commander of Danube and Helvetia Armies
Massena became provisional commander in chief of the combined Armies of the Danube and Helvetia after Jourdan left command.
May 179910 historical events
Governor
Appointed Governor of Mysore
Death of Fateh Ali Tippu
Tipu Sultan is killed while defending Srirangapatna during the final assault on 4 May 1799.
Siege of Srirangapatna
Tipu Sultan dies fighting during the British-led storming of Srirangapatna.
Siege of Acre
Napoleon decided to abandon the siege of Acre after repeated assaults failed to break the defenders.
Election to Directory
Sieyes returned from Berlin after being chosen to replace Rewbell as a member of the Executive Directory.
Siege of Acre
Napoleon departs from Acre after failing to capture it
Siege of Acre
Napoleon departs from Acre after failing to capture it
Alliance 2nd Coalition
Hears of the formaion of the 2nd Coalition of Austria, Britain & Russia against France
Mechanical Drawing Patent
Continues developing mechanical inventions after arriving in Britain.
Writing and Drawing Machine Patent
Takes out a British patent for a writing and drawing machine.
June 17996 historical events
Battle of Zurich
Charles of Austria defeats Massena at Zurich
Return to Cairo
Napoleon returned to Cairo after withdrawing from the failed Syrian campaign.
Resignation from Directory
The crisis of 30 Prairial forced La Revelliere-Lepeaux to resign from the Directory after pressure from the legislative councils.
Crisis of 30 Prairial
The parliamentary crisis of 30 Prairial weakened the Directory and reduced Barras's ability to control the political situation.
President of Directory
Sieyes became president of the Directory while working toward a constitutional transformation of the unstable regime.
Invasion of Switzerland
Launches an invasion of Switzerland
July 179929 historical events
Industrial Revolution
The earliest recorded use of the term "Industrial Revolution" seems to have been in a letter written by French envoy Louis-Guillaume Otto, announcing that France had entered the race to industrialise
Invasion of Egypt
The Anglo-Turkish armada begins to bombard Alexandria
Battle of Aboukir Bay
Lands the Turkish forces at Aboukir, 60 transports & 15,000 troops. General Marmont is forced to withdraw to Alexandria & await Napoleon's orders
Capture of Cairo
Arrives in Cairo amid much pomp & ceremony
Battle of Aboukir Bay
18,000 Turks land at Aboukir, Napoleon marches with 6,000 to the Delta
Rosetta Stone Discovery
French soldiers discovered the Rosetta Stone during the Egyptian expedition, providing a text that later proved central to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Minister of Police
Fouche became Minister of Police during the final months of the Directory, replacing Bourguignon.
Resignation from Foreign Ministry
Talleyrand resigned as Minister of Foreign Relations after political attacks increased during the renewed Jacobin influence of 1799.
Battle of Aboukir Bay
Gathers 10,000 infantry & 1,000 cavalry within striking distance of Aboukir. Decides to strike at the Turkish Army. Claims the battle will, "decide the fate of the world"
Battle of Aboukir Bay
Sits tight for 2 weeks on the beaches due to extensive sickness. Assembles 10,000 infantry & 1,000 cavalry within striking distance of Aboukir
Battle of Aboukir
Napoleon defeated an Ottoman landing force at Aboukir, securing a major French battlefield victory before his departure from Egypt.
General
Appointed General de Division during the 2nd Battle of Aboukir Bay
Battle of Aboukir Bay
Napoleon's 17 year old stepson fights at the Battle of Aboukir
Battle of Aboukir Bay
Appointed General de Division during the 2nd Battle of Aboukir Bay
Battle of Aboukir Bay
Leads a division at the Battle of Aoukir
Battle of Aboukir Bay
Launches an assault on the Turks followed by the surrender of Aboukir
Battle of Aboukir Bay
Opens the attack by leading a cavalry charge. Appointed General de Division during the 2nd Battle of Aboukir Bay. Accepts the surrender of the Turkish leader Mustapha Pasha
General
Appointed General de Division during the 2nd Battle of Aboukir Bay
Battle of Aboukir Bay
Leads the French left
Battle of Aboukir Bay
The French are defeated & lose 13 of their 17 ships. Nelson's 5 ships intercept the French at Aboukir Bay. Marches back to Egypt & rallies his forces to defeat the Turks
Battle of Aboukir Bay
The Turks are defeated with 2,000 killed & 4,000 drowned, the French suffer 220 killed. Napoleon is intercepted on his march to Cairo
Siege of Cairo
Napoleon is intercepted on his march to Cairo
Arrest of Mustapha Pasha
Surrenders to Murat & is arrested
Battle of Aboukir Bay
Surrenders to Murat at the Battle of Aboukir & is arrested
Battle of Aboukir Bay
Offers surrender terms to the Turks who have fled to Aboukir castle they refuse
Invasion of Germany
Drives the French back across the Rhine
Mobilization
Assembles a Marmaluke force to re-occupy Egypt after its invasion by Napoleon
Invasion of Egypt
Napoleon's troops gather to face a probable invasion of Egypt by the Army of Rhodes
Capture of Lahore
Ranjit Singh takes Lahore and establishes it as the centre of his growing Sikh state.
August 179918 historical events
Capture of Aboukir Bay
Launches an assault on the Turks followed by the surrender of the citadel of Aboukir
Capture of Aboukir
Launches an assault on the Turks followed by the surrender of the citadel of Aboukir
Capture of Aboukir Bay
The Citadel of Aboukir surrenders to Napoleon
Capture of Aboukir
The Citadel of Aboukir surrenders to Napoleon
Siege of Aboukir Castle
Helps force the Turks to surrender after 1 week
Siege of Aboukir Castle
The Turkish forces are forced to surrender after 1 weeks siege of Aboukir Castle
Duke of Bronte
Receives the Sicilian title Duke of Bronte.
Battle of Novi
The Austrian army, led by Suvarov, attacks French positions, in the early moments of the battle, Joubert dies, but the French resist the Austrian attack and counter-attack. Results in a victory for the Austrians and Russians under Fieldmarshal Alexander Suvorov over the French under General Barthelemy Catherine Joubert
Battle of Novi
Results in a victory for the Austrians and Russians under Fieldmarshal Alexander Suvorov over the French under General Barthelemy Catherine Joubert. Fights at the Battle of Novi
Battle of Novi
The Austron army, led by Suvarov, attacks French positions, in the early moments of the battle, Joubert dies, but the French resist the Austrian attack and counter-attack. Results in a victory for the Austrians and Russians under Fieldmarshal Alexander Suvorov over the French under General Barthelemy Catherine Joubert
Birth of Heinrich Wilhelm August Freiherr von Gagern
Birth of Heinrich Wilhelm August Freiherr von Gagern, son of Hans Christoph Ernst, Baron von Gagern,a liberal statesman from Hesse
Invasion of Egypt
Leaves Egypt for France to save the Revolution
Departure from Egypt
Napoleon left Egypt aboard the frigate Muiron, leaving General Kleber in command of the Army of the Orient.
General
Appointed Commander of the French forces in Egypt after Napoleon returns to France
Closure of Jacobin Club at Manege
As Minister of Police, Fouche closed the meeting place at the Manege used by the revived Jacobin political club.
Suppression of Newspapers
Fouche suppressed eleven Paris newspapers as the police ministry tightened control over political agitation and the press.
General
Appointed Commander of the French forces in Egypt
Resignation of John Jervis
Resigns due to ill health
September 17992 historical events
Second Battle of Zurich
Massena defeated Russian and Austrian forces at Zurich, helping force Suvorov's army into a difficult retreat through Switzerland.
Ney Assumes Greater Command on Rhine Frontier
Ney's military career advanced amid renewed warfare with the Second Coalition. His forces helped maintain pressure along France's eastern approaches during the campaign.
October 179916 historical events
Return from Egypt - Constitutional consequence
Napoleon Bonaparte figured in events surrounding return from egypt at Frejus. His return introduced a popular military commander into the Directory's deepening political crisis. This development weakened constitutional checks built into the Directory and prepared the replacement of its executive institutions.
Return from Egypt
Bonaparte landed in France after leaving his army in Egypt and began traveling toward Paris. His return introduced a popular military commander into the Directory's deepening political crisis.
Return to France
Napoleon landed in France after leaving Egypt and began the journey back to Paris.
Bonaparte arrives in capital - Military consequence
Napoleon Bonaparte figured in events surrounding bonaparte arrives in capital at Paris. His presence gave constitutional conspirators a figure with military prestige but also ambitions of his own. The event illustrated how the availability of armed force could determine the outcome of a dispute among civilian leaders.
Bonaparte arrives in capital
Bonaparte reached Paris amid enthusiasm for his earlier victories in Italy. His presence gave constitutional conspirators a figure with military prestige but also ambitions of his own.
Arrival in Paris
Napoleon arrived in Paris as the Directory faced military, political and financial instability.
Sieyes seeks stronger executive - Political consequence
Emmanuel Joseph Sieyes figured in events surrounding sieyes seeks stronger executive at Paris. He explored an extra-constitutional change that would replace the existing Directory. The action changed the balance between Bonaparte, the legislative councils and politicians seeking a stronger executive.
Sieyes seeks stronger executive
Sieyes believed that the constitutional system of Year III could not provide stable government. He explored an extra-constitutional change that would replace the existing Directory.
Ducos aligns with Sieyes - Change of government
Roger Ducos figured in events surrounding ducos aligns with sieyes at Paris. Their alignment meant that two sitting Directors were willing to help overturn the institution they served. It was one step in dismantling the five-member Directory and establishing the provisional Consulate.
Ducos aligns with Sieyes
Director Roger Ducos supported Sieyes in planning a transition away from the five-man executive. Their alignment meant that two sitting Directors were willing to help overturn the institution they served.
Meeting with Sieyes and Ducos
Napoleon met Emmanuel Joseph Sieyes and Pierre Roger Ducos as political discussions intensified over replacing the Directory.
Police ministry weighs neutrality - Historical significance
Joseph Fouche figured in events surrounding police ministry weighs neutrality at Paris. The conspirators depended on the absence of effective police resistance in the capital. The episode contributed to the outcome in which Bonaparte emerged as France’s leading executive authority.
Police ministry weighs neutrality
Fouche monitored the political maneuvering surrounding Bonaparte while holding the police portfolio. The conspirators depended on the absence of effective police resistance in the capital.
Barras political isolation grows - Constitutional consequence
Paul Francois Barras figured in events surrounding barras political isolation grows at Paris. His eventual exclusion was important because he had long been a leading figure of the regime. This development weakened constitutional checks built into the Directory and prepared the replacement of its executive institutions.
Barras political isolation grows
Barras became increasingly vulnerable as allies around Sieyes looked for a replacement for the Directory. His eventual exclusion was important because he had long been a leading figure of the regime.
Dinner with Bonaparte
Barras hosted Bonaparte for dinner as political manoeuvring intensified shortly before the coup of Brumaire.
November 179959 historical events
Sieyes and Bonaparte coordinate - Military consequence
Emmanuel Joseph Sieyes figured in events surrounding sieyes and bonaparte coordinate at Paris. Their partnership joined constitutional design to military force despite their differing ambitions. The event illustrated how the availability of armed force could determine the outcome of a dispute among civilian leaders.
Sieyes and Bonaparte coordinate
Sieyes met Bonaparte as discussions about the planned change of government became more concrete. Their partnership joined constitutional design to military force despite their differing ambitions.
Marriage
Brunel marries Sophia Kingdom after the couple are reunited in London.
Meeting with Bonaparte
Fouche met Bonaparte shortly before Brumaire and positioned the police ministry to accommodate the coming change of government.
Fouche meets Bonaparte - Political consequence
Joseph Fouche figured in events surrounding fouche meets bonaparte at Paris. His conduct helped avoid a decisive police intervention against the conspirators. The action changed the balance between Bonaparte, the legislative councils and politicians seeking a stronger executive.
Fouche meets Bonaparte
Fouche conferred with Bonaparte shortly before the coup and assessed the likelihood of a change of regime. His conduct helped avoid a decisive police intervention against the conspirators.
Meeting with Fouche
Napoleon met Joseph Fouche during preparations for the political operation that became the coup of Brumaire.
Talleyrand cultivates Bonaparte - Change of government
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord figured in events surrounding talleyrand cultivates bonaparte at Paris. His political connections made him a valuable intermediary between the general and elite supporters of constitutional change. It was one step in dismantling the five-member Directory and establishing the provisional Consulate.
Talleyrand cultivates Bonaparte
Talleyrand met with Bonaparte as preparations for the coup advanced. His political connections made him a valuable intermediary between the general and elite supporters of constitutional change.
Last consultations before coup - Historical significance
Jean-Jacques Regis de Cambaceres figured in events surrounding last consultations before coup at Paris. The lawyer would become an important figure in the institutional order created after Brumaire. The episode contributed to the outcome in which Bonaparte emerged as France’s leading executive authority.
Last consultations before coup
Cambaceres met Bonaparte on the eve of the coup during a period of intense political negotiation. The lawyer would become an important figure in the institutional order created after Brumaire.
Consul
Appointed Consul, 1 of 3 in the Directory
Ancients invoked security alarm - Military consequence
Emmanuel Joseph Sieyes figured in events surrounding ancients invoked security alarm at Paris. Sieyes's plan used this legal-looking step to separate the assembly from political support in Paris. The event illustrated how the availability of armed force could determine the outcome of a dispute among civilian leaders.
Ancients invoked security alarm
The Council of Ancients was persuaded to relocate the legislative councils to Saint-Cloud on grounds of a supposed threat. Sieyes's plan used this legal-looking step to separate the assembly from political support in Paris.
Moulin resists directors resignation - Change of government
Jean-Francois Moulin figured in events surrounding moulin resists directors resignation at Paris. The refusal of remaining Directors to cooperate showed that the takeover was not consensual. It was one step in dismantling the five-member Directory and establishing the provisional Consulate.
Moulin resists directors resignation
Director Moulin did not voluntarily join the conspiracy and faced pressure as the executive collapsed. The refusal of remaining Directors to cooperate showed that the takeover was not consensual.
Gohier refuses to legitimize takeover - Historical significance
Louis-Jerome Gohier figured in events surrounding gohier refuses to legitimize takeover at Paris. His resistance complicated attempts to present the change as an orderly executive transition. The episode contributed to the outcome in which Bonaparte emerged as France’s leading executive authority.
Gohier refuses to legitimize takeover
Gohier remained loyal to the Directory and did not endorse the conspirators' desired collective resignation. His resistance complicated attempts to present the change as an orderly executive transition.
Barras resigns under pressure - Constitutional consequence
Paul Francois Barras figured in events surrounding barras resigns under pressure at Paris. The departure of the third Director left the executive unable to function as designed. This development weakened constitutional checks built into the Directory and prepared the replacement of its executive institutions.
Barras resigns under pressure
Barras surrendered his place in the Directory as Bonaparte's allies consolidated their operation. The departure of the third Director left the executive unable to function as designed.
Bonaparte receives troop command - Political consequence
Napoleon Bonaparte figured in events surrounding bonaparte receives troop command at Paris. This gave the general an official basis for positioning soldiers during the coup. The action changed the balance between Bonaparte, the legislative councils and politicians seeking a stronger executive.
Bonaparte receives troop command
The Council of Ancients entrusted Bonaparte with command of troops assigned to protect the legislature during its transfer. This gave the general an official basis for positioning soldiers during the coup.
Talleyrand intervenes in Barras departure - Military consequence
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord figured in events surrounding talleyrand intervenes in barras departure at Paris. Removing Barras was essential to disabling the existing executive before a replacement was assembled. The event illustrated how the availability of armed force could determine the outcome of a dispute among civilian leaders.
Talleyrand intervenes in Barras departure
Talleyrand helped manage the political pressure surrounding Barras's resignation from the Directory. Removing Barras was essential to disabling the existing executive before a replacement was assembled.
Lucien supports procedural maneuver - Constitutional consequence
Lucien Bonaparte figured in events surrounding lucien supports procedural maneuver at Paris. His position offered the conspirators an influential voice within the lower legislative chamber. This development weakened constitutional checks built into the Directory and prepared the replacement of its executive institutions.
Lucien supports procedural maneuver
Lucien Bonaparte occupied the presidency of the Council of Five Hundred at the time of the coup. His position offered the conspirators an influential voice within the lower legislative chamber.
Consul
Appointed Consul, 1 of 3 in the Directory
Consul
Appointed Consul, 1 of 3 in the Directory
Coup of 18 Brumaire
Napoleon joined Sieyes and allied politicians in the coup that began on 18 Brumaire and transferred the councils away from Paris.
Resignation after Brumaire
Barras resigned as the coup of Brumaire destroyed the Directory and ended his central role in revolutionary government.
Consul
Appointed Consul, 1 of 3 in the Directory
Five Hundred assemble at Saint-Cloud - Political consequence
Lucien Bonaparte figured in events surrounding five hundred assemble at saint-cloud at Saint-Cloud. Lucien Bonaparte's chairmanship placed him between angry deputies and his brother's military supporters. The action changed the balance between Bonaparte, the legislative councils and politicians seeking a stronger executive.
Five Hundred assemble at Saint-Cloud
The Council of Five Hundred met at Saint-Cloud amid suspicion of the extraordinary transfer. Lucien Bonaparte's chairmanship placed him between angry deputies and his brother's military supporters.
Lucien appeals to troops - Constitutional consequence
Lucien Bonaparte figured in events surrounding lucien appeals to troops at Saint-Cloud. He portrayed the assembly as endangered by hostile deputies, helping justify military action. This development weakened constitutional checks built into the Directory and prepared the replacement of its executive institutions.
Lucien appeals to troops
Lucien Bonaparte appealed to troops outside the council chamber after the confrontation with his brother. He portrayed the assembly as endangered by hostile deputies, helping justify military action.
Provisional executive announced - Change of government
Roger Ducos figured in events surrounding provisional executive announced at Saint-Cloud. The appointment marked the formal replacement of the Directory by a new executive arrangement. It was one step in dismantling the five-member Directory and establishing the provisional Consulate.
Provisional executive announced
Ducos became one of the three provisional consuls chosen after the legislative councils were neutralized. The appointment marked the formal replacement of the Directory by a new executive arrangement.
Moreau backs military operation - Political consequence
Jean Victor Marie Moreau figured in events surrounding moreau backs military operation at Saint-Cloud. His cooperation widened the military support available to the conspirators. The action changed the balance between Bonaparte, the legislative councils and politicians seeking a stronger executive.
Moreau backs military operation
Moreau supported Bonaparte's coup and was assigned a role in containing hostile members of the outgoing government. His cooperation widened the military support available to the conspirators.
Grenadiers clear chamber - Military consequence
Joachim Murat figured in events surrounding grenadiers clear chamber at Saint-Cloud. Armed intervention, rather than a regular majority vote, resolved the immediate legislative resistance. The event illustrated how the availability of armed force could determine the outcome of a dispute among civilian leaders.
Grenadiers clear chamber
Troops under senior officers including Murat cleared the Council of Five Hundred from its meeting room. Armed intervention, rather than a regular majority vote, resolved the immediate legislative resistance.
Bonaparte addresses Ancients - Change of government
Napoleon Bonaparte figured in events surrounding bonaparte addresses ancients at Saint-Cloud. The appearance exposed the limits of his ability to win parliamentary consent by persuasion. It was one step in dismantling the five-member Directory and establishing the provisional Consulate.
Bonaparte addresses Ancients
Bonaparte appeared before the Council of Ancients to justify the crisis measures but delivered a troubled speech. The appearance exposed the limits of his ability to win parliamentary consent by persuasion.
Confrontation in Five Hundred - Historical significance
Napoleon Bonaparte figured in events surrounding confrontation in five hundred at Saint-Cloud. The uproar made clear that the coup would not pass through the lower council without coercion. The episode contributed to the outcome in which Bonaparte emerged as France’s leading executive authority.
Confrontation in Five Hundred
When Bonaparte entered the Council of Five Hundred he met angry resistance from deputies hostile to military interference. The uproar made clear that the coup would not pass through the lower council without coercion.
Sieyes enters provisional Consulate - Historical significance
Emmanuel Joseph Sieyes figured in events surrounding sieyes enters provisional consulate at Saint-Cloud. Although he had helped devise the coup, the emerging arrangement increasingly favored Bonaparte. The episode contributed to the outcome in which Bonaparte emerged as France’s leading executive authority.
Sieyes enters provisional Consulate
Sieyes was designated provisional consul together with Bonaparte and Ducos. Although he had helped devise the coup, the emerging arrangement increasingly favored Bonaparte.
Constitution of France
Helps overthrow the Directory & replace it with the Consulate
Consulate
Helps overthrow the Directory & replace it with the Consulate
Coup
Helps overthrow the Directory & replace it with the Consulate
Directory
Helps overthrow the Directory & replace it with the Consulate
Provisional Consulate
The coup of Brumaire ended the Directory, and Napoleon became a provisional consul alongside Sieyes and Roger Ducos.
Consular authority proclaimed - Constitutional consequence
Napoleon Bonaparte figured in events surrounding consular authority proclaimed at Paris. A military-backed political reversal was presented as the beginning of constitutional reconstruction. This development weakened constitutional checks built into the Directory and prepared the replacement of its executive institutions.
Consular authority proclaimed
Bonaparte took up authority under the provisional Consulate in the aftermath of the Saint-Cloud events. A military-backed political reversal was presented as the beginning of constitutional reconstruction.
Fouche retained in new regime - Military consequence
Joseph Fouche figured in events surrounding fouche retained in new regime at Paris. Continuity in surveillance and public order helped the new government avoid an immediate counterstroke. The event illustrated how the availability of armed force could determine the outcome of a dispute among civilian leaders.
Fouche retained in new regime
Fouche remained a central police official as the Consulate consolidated its control of Paris. Continuity in surveillance and public order helped the new government avoid an immediate counterstroke.
Talleyrand returns to diplomacy - Political consequence
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord figured in events surrounding talleyrand returns to diplomacy at Paris. His appointment connected Bonaparte's administration to experienced diplomatic networks from the Directory. The action changed the balance between Bonaparte, the legislative councils and politicians seeking a stronger executive.
Talleyrand returns to diplomacy
Talleyrand returned to the foreign affairs portfolio under the new consular regime. His appointment connected Bonaparte's administration to experienced diplomatic networks from the Directory.
Return to Foreign Ministry
After Brumaire, Talleyrand returned to the Ministry of Foreign Relations and aligned himself closely with Bonaparte's new government.
December 17995 historical events
Constitution of Year VIII completed - Change of government
Pierre Claude Francois Daunou figured in events surrounding constitution of year viii completed at Paris. The document created institutions that concentrated practical executive authority in the First Consul. It was one step in dismantling the five-member Directory and establishing the provisional Consulate.
Constitution of Year VIII completed
The Constitution of Year VIII was adopted in the wake of Brumaire and replaced the Directory's framework with a Consulate. The document created institutions that concentrated practical executive authority in the First Consul.
Bonaparte becomes First Consul - Historical significance
Napoleon Bonaparte figured in events surrounding bonaparte becomes first consul at Paris. The coup had culminated in a durable executive system dominated by its principal military leader. The episode contributed to the outcome in which Bonaparte emerged as France’s leading executive authority.
Bonaparte becomes First Consul
The institutions of the Consulate began operating under the Constitution of Year VIII with Bonaparte as First Consul. The coup had culminated in a durable executive system dominated by its principal military leader.
Constitution of France
The Constitution of Year VIII comes into force
Minister of Finance
Appointed Minister of Finance
Excommunication
The Pope also releases Talleyrand-Perigord from the ban of excommunication
Alliance With Roger Ducos
Sieyes found support in Director Roger Ducos, giving proponents of institutional change an influential bloc inside the executive itself.
Constitutional Plans Lose to Bonaparte
Sieyes preferred a system that would constrain the chief executive, but Bonaparte secured the more powerful position in the Constitution of Year VIII.
Entry Into Executive Directory
Sieyes accepted election to the Directory in 1799, obtaining the executive leverage that he had declined four years earlier.
Negotiations With General Bonaparte
Sieyes reached an understanding with Bonaparte, joining plans for constitutional reconstruction to the authority of a celebrated military commander.
Prairial Crisis Undermines Existing Directors
Sieyes benefited from pressure on colleagues identified with the Directorys failing policies and resisted efforts to preserve the existing executive balance.
Prairial Sets Stage for Brumaire
Sieyes used the aftermath of the parliamentary crisis to pursue a more radical constitutional change that would culminate in the coup of November.
Presidency During Prairial Crisis
Sieyes emerged as a dominant Director while legislative pressure forced changes in the executive after French military reverses.
Provisional Consulate Seat
Following the dissolution of the Directory, Sieyes served as a provisional consul alongside Bonaparte and Roger Ducos while a replacement constitution was prepared.
Resignation From Directory During Brumaire
Sieyes left the Directory as the coup unfolded, helping dismantle the five member executive that the conspirators intended to replace.
Retirement From Consular Executive
Sieyes withdrew from the final consular leadership after the constitution established Bonaparte as First Consul, ending his direct role in the revolutionary executive.
Search for Constitutional Replacement
He investigated options for replacing the rigid Constitution of Year III because the councils and Directors repeatedly confronted each other without a stable remedy.
Sieyes Enters Directory Before Prairial Crisis
Sieyes joined the executive shortly before the parliamentary upheaval, bringing his own plans for constitutional reform into the government.
Sieyes Gains Influence in Reconstituted Government
The changes of Prairial strengthened Sieyes standing as he began considering more fundamental alterations to the Constitution of Year III.
Thirty Prairial Parliamentary Confrontation
On 18 June lawmakers intensified their attack on the Directory, forcing a political restructuring that became known as the coup of 30 Prairial.
Transfer of Councils to Saint Cloud
The Council of Ancients transferred legislative sittings to Saint Cloud under a security pretext, creating the setting for the operation planned by Sieyes and his allies.
Council Demands Explanation of Defeats
Legislators pressed the executive to account for battlefield reverses and the perceived failure of the governments military strategy.
Jourdan Criticizes Directory Military Failures
General Jourdan and legislative allies condemned the Directors handling of military reverses as the Second Coalition advanced on French positions.
Legislative Victory Reveals Constitutional Weakness
Jourdans criticism and the forced resignations showed that separate branches of government could overpower one another despite formal legal safeguards.
Military Emergency Drives Legislative Intervention
The councils treated military defeat as a reason to intervene in executive appointments, revealing the weakness of institutional boundaries created in 1795.
Political attacks force resignation from ministry
Talleyrand resigned as foreign minister in July as factions struggled for control of the Directory. The departure did not end his involvement in preparations for another political settlement.
Talleyrand helps organize Brumaire alliances
He worked with Sieyès and Bonaparte's supporters during the planning of the coup. His experience and connections helped bridge civilian politicians and military leaders.
Talleyrand helps secure Barras resignation
During 18 Brumaire, Talleyrand participated in efforts to remove Director Barras. The resignation weakened the Directory at the moment the conspirators sought to replace it.
Talleyrand returns to foreign ministry under Consulate
Bonaparte's new government restored Talleyrand to the foreign affairs portfolio in November. His return marked the start of a central role in consular diplomacy after the Revolution's republican decade.
Treilhard Removed on Eligibility Grounds
The councils invalidated Treilhards position, demonstrating that legislative scrutiny could unseat a Director despite formal executive independence.
Treilhard Selection Comes Under Challenge
Deputies argued that Treilhards appointment had violated constitutional eligibility rules, making his tenure vulnerable during the crisis.
Rewbell Earlier Departure Alters Balance
Rewbells normal rotation out of office had already changed the Directorys membership, leaving former allies less able to resist parliamentary demands.
Gohier Selected for Executive Vacancy
Louis Jerome Gohier entered the Directory during the political upheaval, becoming part of the revised executive that emerged in 1799.
Gohier Works With New Executive Colleagues
Gohier participated in the reconstructed Directory, whose members still disagreed about how to stabilize the republic.
Constitutional Executive Balance Breaks Down
The Prairial crisis revealed that the Year III arrangements did not prevent legislative majorities from forcing the resignation of supposedly independent Directors.
Council Opposition Demands Executive Changes
The legislative councils increasingly challenged the Directors after military setbacks, threatening those members considered responsible for failed policy.
Former Director Watches Brumaire Upheaval
The fall of the Directory in November ended the institution La Revelliere Lepeaux had helped govern, though he was no longer in office during the coup.
Legacy of Republican Religious Experiment
His years in office showed how the Directory had attempted to encourage civic morality through nontraditional worship while struggling to protect freedom of conscience.
Lepeaux Faces Pressure to Resign
La Revelliere Lepeaux was blamed for government failures and pressed by legislators to surrender his seat in the executive.
Lepeaux Resigns During Government Crisis
La Revelliere Lepeaux resigned under pressure on 30 Prairial, ending his long service as one of the original Directors.
Loss of Executive Authority
His departure removed one of the longest serving original Directors and marked a significant weakening of the governments older republican leadership.
Military Defeats Intensify Parliamentary Criticism
French reverses in Europe emboldened legislators who argued that the executive had failed to manage the war effectively.
Political Retirement After Directory Service
After leaving office La Revelliere Lepeaux ceased directing national policy while opponents continued debating how to rebuild the failing constitutional system.
Presidential Rotation Concludes in February
La Revelliere Lepeaux ended his third presidential term while retaining his place among the five Directors until the June political crisis.
Resignation Under Prairial Pressure
La Revelliere Lepeaux resigned on 18 June after parliamentary pressure in the crisis of 30 Prairial forced a reorganization of the Directory.
Sieyes Becomes Fellow Director
The election of Sieyes to the executive introduced an influential advocate of constitutional reconstruction who did not share La Revelliere Lepeauxs commitment to preserving the existing leadership.
Theophilanthropy Loses Leading Political Patron
With La Revelliere Lepeaux removed from government, the civic religious movement lost its most influential defender inside the executive.
Barras Faces Weakened Political Coalition
Although Barras remained a Director after Prairial, the crisis dismantled much of the factional balance that had protected his position.
Barras Retains Seat Through Confrontation
Barras survived the parliamentary attack but faced a changed executive in which former alliances and sources of influence were weakened.
Barras pressured to resign in Brumaire Barras
During the coup of 18 Brumaire, Barras resigned from the Directory as Bonaparte and civilian allies seized the initiative. His departure helped deprive the executive of the membership needed to govern.
Crisis of 30 Prairial weakens regime Barras
The councils forced changes in the Directory following military defeats and legislative dissatisfaction. Barras survived the Prairial confrontation but lost reliable partners and faced an increasingly fractured executive.
Negotiations as Bonaparte returns Barras
Bonaparte's return from Egypt altered political calculations among the Directors. Barras attempted to preserve his position while several rivals considered replacing the existing constitutional order.
Rift with Sieyes during executive crisis Barras
Sieyès entered the Directory with plans for constitutional reconstruction that did not depend on Barras's leadership. Their divergent ambitions complicated efforts to preserve the five-member government.
Third rotating Directory presidency Barras
Barras held another term as the Directory's rotating president in early 1799. The position offered visibility during a period marked by renewed coalition warfare and mounting criticism of the executive.
Roger Ducos Joins Reconfigured Directory
Roger Ducos became a Director as the political crisis changed the governments personnel and prepared the way for his later alliance with Sieyes.
General
Appointed General of Division by Menou
Coup
Assists Napoleon's takeover of power
Battle of Mount Tabor Bonaparte
French forces under Bonaparte fought Ottoman troops in the vicinity of Mount Tabor during the Syrian campaign. Their success prevented an immediate threat to the French siege forces near Acre.
Bonaparte challenged in council chamber Council of Five Hundred
Bonaparte entered the Five Hundred's meeting room and encountered fierce protests from deputies who considered soldiers a threat to legislative independence. His attempted intervention did not win voluntary parliamentary consent.
Bonaparte given legislative security command Council of Ancients
The Ancients entrusted Bonaparte with the military force assigned to protect the councils during their relocation. The authorization gave conspirators practical control of the troops surrounding the legislature.
Campaign into Ottoman Syria Bonaparte
Bonaparte moved east from Egypt against Ottoman positions in southern Syria. The campaign was intended to forestall an invasion of Egypt but strained French supplies and transport.
Capture of Jaffa Bonaparte
French troops stormed Jaffa after a siege during the Syrian expedition. The subsequent killing of prisoners became one of the campaign's most controversial actions.
Departure from Egyptian command Bonaparte
Bonaparte left Egypt and entrusted his remaining army to General Kléber. He returned without that army, calculating that political conditions in France offered a new opportunity.
Disorderly address to senior deputies Council of Ancients
Bonaparte appeared before the Ancients and struggled to justify the coup's extraordinary measures. His speech increased uncertainty over whether the constitutional pretext would withstand parliamentary scrutiny.
Land victory at Aboukir Bonaparte
French troops defeated an Ottoman landing force at Aboukir, temporarily securing their hold on Egypt. The victory gave Bonaparte a final military success before his departure for France.
Siege of Acre unsuccessful Bonaparte
Bonaparte besieged Acre but failed to overcome its defenders, who received assistance from British naval forces. The inability to take the port contributed to his withdrawal toward Egypt.
Withdrawal from Syria Bonaparte
Bonaparte ordered a retreat from Syria after the unsuccessful siege of Acre. Disease, casualties and difficult marches weakened the expedition as it returned to Egypt.
Council opposition to old constitutional design Council of Ancients
Sieyès regarded the Constitution of Year III as unable to provide a stable executive. His ambitions depended on overcoming resistance within the same bicameral legislature that the constitution had created.
Sieyes moves from legislature to executive politics Council of Five Hundred
Sieyès increasingly sought constitutional change outside routine proceedings and entered the Directory. His shift anticipated the alliance between civilian reformers and Bonaparte that would end the two councils.
Sieyes moves into Directory Council of Ancients
Sieyès joined the Executive Directory during the political crisis of Year VII. His appointment placed a constitutional reformer in a position to challenge the arrangements he had previously helped shape.
Transfer to Saint-Cloud implemented Council of Ancients
Both chambers assembled at Saint-Cloud after the Ancients exercised their constitutional relocation power. The change of venue isolated lawmakers from established political networks in Paris.
Effects of forced loans on citizens disputed Council of Five Hundred
The government's mounting expenses generated arguments about extraordinary contributions by wealthier residents. Legislators debated the fairness and enforceability of revenue demands needed for national defense.
Emergency declaration sought after defeats Council of Five Hundred
Jourdan pressed for acknowledgment that the homeland was in danger as France faced new coalition advances. The debate raised fears that a return to emergency politics might destabilize the Directory.
Fatherland in danger motion debated Council of Ancients
Facing new military setbacks, Jourdan supported renewed emergency mobilization and argued that the homeland was in danger. The legislative councils debated how far republican defense should override ordinary administration.
Forced loan debated by new majority Council of Five Hundred
Neo-Jacobin deputies supported extraordinary financial measures to fund national defense. Opposition to the forced loan revealed the division between wartime egalitarian demands and the concerns of property owners.
Neo-Jacobin revival in Five Hundred Council of Five Hundred
Military reverses and dissatisfaction with the Directors strengthened more radical republican deputies. The lower chamber became a central arena for calls to replace the executive's leadership.
Prairial confrontation with executive Council of Five Hundred
During the crisis of 30 Prairial, legislators forced changes in the Executive Directory after a succession of military failures. The action revealed that the supposedly separated powers could collide in practice.
Prairial pressure changes executive composition Council of Ancients
Legislative critics forced changes to the Directory during the crisis of 30 Prairial. The Ancients and Five Hundred used political leverage over appointments rather than following the ordinary annual rotation alone.
Grenadiers disperse Five Hundred Council of Five Hundred
Troops under officers including Murat cleared the chamber after deputies resisted the coup. The intervention replaced constitutional debate with force and ended the council's effective independence.
Gohier elected to executive office Council of Ancients
The Council of Ancients participated in the selection of Louis-Jérôme Gohier as a Director following political upheaval. Its choice formed part of an attempted reconstruction of the weakened executive.
Ancients face dissolution proposal Council of Ancients
Following the dispersal of the Five Hundred, remaining legislators were pressed to accept a provisional executive and replacement institutions. The Ancients' participation supplied a veneer of legality to the military-backed settlement.
Ancients hear warning of alleged plot Council of Ancients
On 18 Brumaire, members of the Council of Ancients were told that the legislature faced a dangerous conspiracy. The accusation helped secure a decree transferring both chambers away from Paris.
Five Hundred ordered to Saint-Cloud Council of Five Hundred
A decree of the Council of Ancients transferred both chambers to Saint-Cloud under an alleged security threat. Members of the Five Hundred were confronted with a relocation they had not initiated.
Lower chamber meets in Orangerie Council of Five Hundred
Deputies assembled in the Orangerie at Saint-Cloud on 19 Brumaire. Suspicion about the transfer made proceedings increasingly hostile to the conspirators seeking to replace the constitution.
Lucien abandons presiding chair Council of Five Hundred
The confrontation over Bonaparte's appearance disrupted the Council of Five Hundred. Lucien eventually left the chamber and appealed to the soldiers outside rather than securing a normal vote.
Lucien elected president of Five Hundred Council of Five Hundred
Lucien Bonaparte became president of the lower legislative chamber shortly before his brother's coup. The office gave him procedural influence at a moment when the Directory's constitutional survival was in doubt.
Compulsory loan measures reviewed Council of Ancients
The councils confronted emergency financial proposals intended to fund defense during the War of the Second Coalition. Disputes over a forced loan revealed divisions between property holders and renewed Jacobin pressure.
Council proposes replacement Director candidates Council of Five Hundred
As the executive changed during Prairial, the Five Hundred exercised its constitutional role in proposing potential Directors. The Ancients made the selections that reconstituted the government.
Ducos selected for the Directory Council of Ancients
Roger Ducos joined the Executive Directory as leadership changed amid military reverses and parliamentary opposition. He later aligned himself with Sieyès in preparations for the overthrow of the regime.
Provisional consuls replace Directors Council of Ancients
The Brumaire legislation designated Bonaparte, Sieyès and Ducos as provisional consuls. The arrangement displaced the five-member Directory and ended the Ancients' role as a chamber of the republican legislature.
Merlin de Douai Forced From Directory
Merlin de Douai also gave up his position during the crisis, enabling the legislature to reshape the executive without a general election.
Chief of Staff
Appointed Chief of Staff of the Army of Italy
General
Appointed General of the Brigade
General
Appointed General of the Division
Mobilization
Organizes the Army of the Rhine
Commander in Chief
Appointed Commander of the army in Switzerland
Coup
Napoleon's younger brother, Lucien Bonaparte, & Talleyrand-Perigord are instrumental in the coup of 18 Brumaire
Foreign Secretary of France
Appointed Foreign Minister by Naoleon
Coup
Overthrown by Napoleon's coup
Admiralty Block Machinery Proposal
Brunel presents the Admiralty with his proposal to mechanise the production of ships' pulley blocks for the Royal Navy.
Block Machinery Models Developed with Maudslay
Brunel works with Henry Maudslay on precision models and machine components needed for his naval block-making system.
French Naval Patterns Continue Through Consulate
Warship production under the emerging Consulate benefited from the standard forms developed before the Revolution. It enhanced the technical organisation of fleet construction.
Commander of Consulay Guard
Appointed Commander of the Consular Guard
General
Appointed General of Division by Menou
Chief of Staff
Appointed Chief of Staff of the Army of Italy
General
Appointed General of the Brigade
General
Appointed General of the Division
Battle of Canope
Commands the centre of the army at the Battle of Canope
Capture of Cairo
Captrures Egypt & forms a Government
Elector
Appointed Elector of Bavaria, 1799-1806
Castaway Poem Composed
Cowper composed The Castaway, a stark poem of isolation that became one of his final major works.
Legislation
The Slave Trade Regulation Act is passed to further reduce overcrowding on slave ships
Reform of Trade
The Slave Trade Regulation Act is passed to further reduce overcrowding on slave ships
Slavery
The Slave Trade Regulation Act is passed to further reduce overcrowding on slave ships
Board of Control
Appointed Commissioner of the Board of Control
Sheriff
Appointed Sheriff of Selkirk
Chief Justice
Appointed Chief Justice of Common Pleas
Radical Societies
All Radical Societies are banned
LCS
The London Corresponding Society is banned
LCS
The London Corresponding Society is banned
Henry Maudslay
Brunel works with Henry Maudslay to produce models and machinery for the manufacture of ships' pulley blocks.
Old Dock Basin Vaulting Undertaken
Bentham arranged substantial brick vaulting over an earlier basin to support new floors above the water storage area. The achievement helped standardise production for a large naval fleet.
Portsmouth Power And Water Systems Developed
Engineers adapted the dockyard infrastructure to provide power and water for industrial processes. The machinery required unusually accurate metalworking and maintenance.
Manchester Meteorological Records Accumulate
Dalton's careful observations of weather strengthened quantitative study of atmospheric conditions. The project contributed to an expanding network of engineering expertise.
Admiral
Appointed Admiral of the Fleet
Admiral
Appointed Admiral
Commander of Netherlands, The
Appointed Commander of the forces in The Netherlands
Affair
Begins an affair with Emma, Lady Hamilton.
Peerage
Created Duke of Bronte by the King of Naples.
Admiral
Appointed Admiral
Neapolitan Restoration
Supports the Bourbon restoration after the collapse of the Parthenopean Republic.
Palermo
Operates from Palermo during the crisis in the Kingdom of Naples.
Capture of Lahore
Captures Lahore.
Rule of Lahore
Captures Lahore.
Invasion of Mysore
The Fourth Anglo-Mysore War opens as British and allied armies advance into Tipu Sultan's kingdom.
Siege of Srirangapatna
British and allied forces besiege Srirangapatna during the final campaign against Tipu Sultan.
Viceroy
Appointed Viceroy of Sardinia, 1st term