Discuss the reasons for Napoleon’s rise to political power by 1799.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the problems of the Directory and the factors that led to Napoleon’s taking of political power in 1799. The weaknesses of the Directory that candidates refer to may include a lack of support because of military setbacks in Italy, economic crisis, the complaints of corruption and opposition from Monarchists and Republicans. The restricted electorate also undermined popular support for the regime, which was reliant on military backing to retain power. In contrast, Napoleon had popular support after his military success especially in Italy, where he had the backing of a military force for his coup d’état. Napoleon also had support within the Directory (Sieyès and Lucien Bonaparte). In general terms, there was a feeling that France needed a strong leader who guaranteed the gains of the revolution as well as maintaining order.