e) The Directory

Question 1

What significant problems did the Directory have to deal with from 1795?

Answer 1

1. The WAR - the war of the First Coalition was still going on and was hugely expensive
2. The ECONOMY - gov finance was low, the currency had slumped in value, the tax collection system was ineffective
3. Low EXPECTATIONS - few people expected the Directory to establish control due to previous gov failures

Question 2

Why did the Directory survive for 5 years?

Answer 2

1. Weak opponents
2. Public acceptance - people fed up of destruction and violence
3. The Army - army supported the Directory because they kept the war going

Question 3

Who was Babeuf and what were his beliefs?

Answer 3

A political radical

Wanted to reform the economy to make it more equal

He believed that there should be no such thing as private property

He opposed the Thermidorian Reaction and defended the Jacobins for their ideas of equality

He thought that women should be included in the political clubs

Question 4

How did Babeuf plan to replace the Directory?

Answer 4

He planned for a small group of dedicated followers to help him win power

They would persuade the security forces to seize power for him

Question 5

Why did Babeuf’s plot fail?

Answer 5

• Lack of support
• No influence outside his small group of followers
• No support from the sans-culottes

Question 6

When was Babeuf executed?

Answer 6

27 May 1797