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“It was more the weaknesses of the Directory than the power and ability of Napoleon that led to his rise to power.” Discuss

The statement that it was more the weaknesses of the Directory than the power and ability of Napoleon that led to his rise to power does not hold much water. The Directory refers to the forth revolutionary government in France which ruled from 1795 to 1799. On one hand, the weaknesses of this government which include corruption and failure to revive France’s economy paved way for the surfacing of Napoleon while on the other hand, the military prowess, oratory skills as well as the opportunistic nature of Napoleon led to his rise to power. This paper intends to interrogate the view that it was more the weaknesses of the Directory than the power and ability of Napoleon that led to his rise to power.

The weaknesses of the Directory were significant in leading to the rise of Napoleon to power. This is because corruption was a serious vice that bedeviled the Directory. The directors had become seriously corrupt with some such as Barras bribing the officials in the council of elders to retain to power fraudulently yet one Director was set to leave office every year and get a replacement from the council of elders. This explains why Barras remained a Director throughout the reign of the Directory. More so, the Directors were also morally corrupt for example Barras who made advances towards one of his fellow Directors’ wife. D.N Richards notes that this ethical and moral corruption having reached the court of public opinion, must have made the Directory unpopular among the French citizens and their yearning for a new government. Therefore, the weaknesses of the Directory were significant in leading to the rise of Napoleon to power.
The weaknesses of the Directory were key in leading to the rise of Napoleon to power. This is because the Directory had dismally failed to revive France’s economy. The Directory had gained citizens’ backing as it promised to address the financial crisis which was haunting and tormenting French citizens. However, little was done in that respect, the Directory was overwhelmed by skyrocketing inflation and prices of basic commodities. H. L Peacock argues that the Directory had become the major driver of inflation by setting unsuitable policies. This, then fermented the revolutionary government’s unpopularity among the French citizens and their longing for an insightful leadership. Thus, the weaknesses of the Directory were key in leading to the rise of Napoleon to power.
However, Napoleon’s power and ability was essential in leading to his rise to power. This is because Napoleon had military prowess having a junta background. Napoleon had rose through the ranks to army commander and beyond that strengthened the French army evident in their emerging victorious in the Italian campaign. Having possesses such military credentials not only warranted Napoleon’s popularity in France but also later enabled his toppling of the Directory through military means. Hence, Napoleon’s power and ability as a military man was critical in leading to his rise to power.

Napoleon’s power and ability was of paramount importance in necessitating his rise to power. This is because Napoleon was a gifted orator. Upon being made army commander, for example, Napoleon according to D. Thompson addressed soldiers citing that,” I know you are ill-equipped, poorly fed, poorly dressed…” His speech not only captivated and motivated the faint hearts of the soldiers as he made them feel that he was in touch with their grievances but also harnessed his command in the army, which later became a key stakeholder in ensuring his rise to power . Therefore, Napoleon’s power and ability as a gifted orator was of paramount importance in leading to his rise to power.
Napoleon’s power and ability was vital in leading to his rise to power. This is because Napoleon was an opportunist. Throughout his life, Napoleon had seized most, if not all opportunities availed to him. For example, Napoleon after being encouraged by his father to enroll for military classes, grabbed the chance willingly, with determination and eagerness to learn. This opportunity later opened the door for him to become a military giant. Furthermore, Napoleon’s marriage to Barras’ daughter, Josephine also made it possible for him to get in inside feel and view of the French administration given that Barras was a Director. Having a full glare of day-to-day government running, Napoleon not only obtained political experience but also gave him the chance to become increasingly popular. This same marriage to Josephine made Napoleon exempt from the guillotine as the aggressive reign of terror which he had participated in lapsed, owing to his father-in-law’s influence. Hence, Napoleon’s power and ability as an opportunist was pivotal in leading to his rise to power.

In a nutshell, this essay has discussed in depth the view that it was the weaknesses of the Directory than his power and ability that led the rise of Napoleon to power. On one hand, the Directory’s bombardment by corruption and failure to revive French economy mounted its unattractiveness and eventual unpopularity which would serve as fertile ground for Napoleon’s rise. On the other hand, Napoleon’s power and ability as a military genius, gifted orator and opportunist was largely key in stirring his rise to power. From the above discussion, one can conclude that the assertion that it was the weaknesses of the Directory than his power and ability that led to the rise of Napoleon lacks momentum.