The establishment of the Directory: the constitution; financial and political problems and policies; strengths and weaknesses of the Directory
After the Terror, France set up a new government called the Directory in 1795. Five directors shared executive power, but the regime struggled with debt, corruption, and political instability from the start.
Real World
The Directory survived five years only by repeatedly purging its own elected councils — the coup of Fructidor (1797) annulled election results it disliked, exposing how a constitution designed to prevent tyranny enabled it instead.
Exam Focus
For 'assess the strengths and weaknesses' questions, always link financial problems (assignat collapse) to political instability — examiners reward connected argument over listed points.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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