Coup of 18 Brumaire

On November 9, 1799, which corresponded to 18 Brumaire, Year VIII according to the French Republican calendar, Napoleon Bonaparte orchestrated a coup that marked a pivotal moment in French history. This event led to the overthrow of the French Directory and the establishment of the Consulate, with Napoleon emerging as a dominant political figure.

Background

Following the French Revolution, the Directory had been established in 1795 as the government of revolutionary France. This regime struggled with inefficiency, corruption, and internal strife. Most critically, it faced widespread opposition from both royalists, who wanted to restore the monarchy, and radical Jacobins, advocating for more revolutionary policies. Additionally, France was embroiled in ongoing wars across Europe, further straining its resources and stability.

The Coup

The coup was meticulously planned by a group of conspirators including Emmanuel-Joseph Sieyès, one of the Directors, and Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand. On the morning of November 9, troops loyal to Napoleon occupied strategic locations in Paris.

Napoleon himself addressed the Council of Ancients, one of the two legislative branches, persuading them of an imminent Jacobin threat and securing their support for moving government functions to the Château de Saint-Cloud, ostensibly to ensure safety and stability. On the same day, the Council of Five Hundred also convened there.

Tensions ran high on November 10 (19 Brumaire), when Napoleon addressed the legislative assemblies. Amidst chaotic scenes, Napoleon, backed by his brother Lucien, managed to maintain the support of the military, leading to the formal dissolution of the Directory and the establishment of a provisional Consulate, initially comprising Napoleon, Sieyès, and Roger Ducos.

Aftermath

The Consulate established shortly after the coup placed significant power in the hands of its three consuls, with Napoleon soon securing a dominant position. By 1804, he declared himself Emperor of the French, further consolidating his control. This marked the end of the French Revolution and the beginning of the Napoleonic Era.

The Coup of 18 Brumaire is often seen by historians as a turning point, moving France from a revolutionary republic towards autocratic rule under Napoleon, significantly influencing European politics in the early 19th century.