Role of Napoleon in the Coup of Brumaire

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Role of Napoleon in the Coup of Brumaire

Advantages

  • Brought support of army to the coup:                                                    > won support from military successes in Lodi and Battle of         Pyramids                                                                                             > won support of army by paying wages half in gold rather than   unstable french currency                                                                      > army were foundation of Directory and without them they were powerless. Their support of Napoleon meant he could carry out   Coup and overthrow Directory
  • Napoleon given control of Paris Garrison:                                           > army were crucial as saved him from the 500 and drove them   out, arresting 440 out of 500 which promoted them to surrender
  • Napoleon had support from populace:                                                   > had gained France an empire after victory over Austria at         Rivoli in 1797 and Egypt in 1798.                                                         > acclaimed hero upon landing in1799 from Egypt and viewed as saviour of France.                                                                               > he had no opposition from the people

Disadvantages

  • Napoleon was not a good public speaker                                          > he rambled at his speech infront of the Council of 500                  > lost their support and they tried to kill him                                        > would have been lynched if not for actions of Lucien and army
  • Public support was not critical:                                                            >many viewed coup with apathy to begin with                                  > therefore public support not key

Evaluation

Overall Napoleons role was important as he brought the support of the army and without that the coup would have had no power behind it, because the Council of 500 did not support the coup and there was no major support for the coup by the public.However, Napoleons actions almost cost the coup and it was only the actions of others that ultimately made it successful.

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