Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The work of the Directory: the 1795 constitution; economic and financial…
Full specification wording
From the Directory to Brumaire, 1795–99: The work of the Directory: the 1795 constitution; economic and financial reforms; martial law; attempts to control factionalism; Directorial terror; the extent of popularity and success.
The Directory's work included the 1795 constitution, which established a bicameral legislature and a five-member executive, but was flawed by checks and balances that led to deadlock.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Directory's work included the 1795 constitution, which established a bicameral legislature and a five-member executive, but was flawed by checks and balances that led to deadlock. Economic and financial reforms included the creation of the mandats territoriaux and bankruptcy of the assignat, but these failed to stabilise the economy. Martial law was used to suppress opposition, such as in 1797 and 1799. Attempts to control factionalism included the coup of Fructidor (1797) and Floréal (1798). Directorial terror involved the deportation and execution of opponents. The extent of popularity and success was limited: the Directory was unpopular and ultimately overthrown by Napoleon in 1799.
What earns the marks
- Describe the 1795 constitution: bicameral legislature (Council of Five Hundred and Council of Ancients) and five Directors, with limited franchise.
- Explain economic and financial reforms: introduction of mandats territoriaux, bankruptcy of assignats, and attempts to restore confidence.
- Analyse the use of martial law to suppress opposition, including the laws of 1797 and 1799.
- Evaluate attempts to control factionalism: coups of Fructidor, Floréal, and Prairial.
- Assess the Directorial terror: use of deportation and execution against royalists and Jacobins.
- Judge the extent of popularity and success: the Directory was unpopular, corrupt, and ultimately failed.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming the 1795 constitution was democratic.
Put it right: It was highly restricted and designed to prevent radical change.
Believing economic reforms succeeded.
Put it right: The mandats territoriaux quickly lost value, and financial problems persisted.
Overstating the Directory's popularity.
Put it right: It relied on the army and was widely resented.
Exam tips
- Use specific dates and terms: 1795 constitution, Fructidor 1797, Floréal 1798, Prairial 1799.
- Link the Directory's methods to its eventual failure and Napoleon's rise.
- Discuss both the intentions and the outcomes of the Directory's actions.
Try the lesson
The start of the From the Directory to Brumaire, 1795–99: The work of the Directory: the 1795 constitution; economic and financial reforms; martial law; attempts to control factionalism; Directorial terror; the extent of popularity and success. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Under the 1795 constitution, which body chose the five members of the Directory?
Listen
The Directory's work included the 1795 constitution, which established a bicameral legislature and a five-member executive, but was flawed by checks and balances that led to deadlock. Economic and financial reforms included the creation of the mandats territoriaux and bankruptcy of the assignat, but these failed to stabilise the economy. Martial law was used to suppress opposition, such as in 1797 and 1799. Attempts to control factionalism included the coup of Fructidor (1797) and Floréal (1798). Directorial terror involved the deportation and execution of opponents. The extent of popularity and success was limited: the Directory was unpopular and ultimately overthrown by Napoleon in 1799. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Describe the 1795 constitution: bicameral legislature (Council of Five Hundred and Council of Ancients) and five Directors, with limited franchise. Explain economic and financial reforms: introduction of mandats territoriaux, bankruptcy of assignats, and attempts to restore confidence. Analyse the use of martial law to suppress opposition, including the laws of 1797 and 1799. Evaluate attempts to control factionalism: coups of Fructidor, Floréal, and Prairial. Exam tip: Use specific dates and terms: 1795 constitution, Fructidor 1797, Floréal 1798, Prairial 1799.
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. Napoleon overthrew the Directory
- 2. The constitution established a bicameral legislature and five Directors
- 3. The coup of Floréal took place
- 4. Martial law was used to suppress opposition
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Constitutional design
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Economic reform
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Repression
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Political survival
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Constitutional design
- The 1795 constitution established a bicameral legislature and a five-member executive, but was flawed by checks and balances that led to deadlock.
- Economic reform
- Economic and financial reforms included the creation of the mandats territoriaux and bankruptcy of the assignat, but these failed to stabilise the economy.
- Repression
- Martial law was used to suppress opposition, such as in 1797 and 1799, and Directorial terror involved the deportation and execution of opponents.
- Political survival
- Attempts to control factionalism included the coup of Fructidor (1797) and Floréal (1798), but the Directory was unpopular and ultimately overthrown by Napoleon in 1799.
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of From the Directory to Brumaire, 1795–99: The work of the Directory: the 1795 constitution; economic and financial reforms; martial law; attempts to control factionalism; Directorial terror; the extent of popularity and success.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge