French Directory

French Directory

The Directory (French: Directoire exécutif) was a body of five Directors that held executive power in France following the Convention and preceding the Consulate. The period of this regime (2 November 1795 until 10 November 1799), commonly known as the Directory (or Directoire) era, constitutes the second to last stage of the French Revolution.

The Directory era itself is further split into two eras, the First Directory and the Second Directory, divided by the Coup of 18 Fructidor. Directoire style refers to the Neoclassical styles in the decorative arts and fashion that characterize the period.

The directory system of government was also used in several French client republics and modern Switzerland; see directorial system.

Read more about French Directory:  Constitution of Year III, Unpopularity of The Directory, Military Successes, 18 Fructidor, 1798, 1799, End of The Directory, List of Directeurs

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