What issues caused by the Reign of Terror did the Constitution of 1795 and the Directory attempt to address?

History · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020

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The Constitution of 1795 and the Directory in France were responses to the issues and excesses of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. Some of the key issues they aimed to address include:


1. Authoritarianism and Political Instability: The Reign of Terror, marked by mass executions and political purges, had created a climate of fear and instability. The Constitution of 1795 and the Directory sought to establish a more stable political system with checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a single group or individual.


2. Economic Challenges: The revolutionary period had brought economic turmoil, including hyperinflation and food shortages. The new constitution and the Directory attempted to address economic issues by establishing more pragmatic economic policies and attempting to stabilize the financial situation.


3. Reconciliation and Unity: The Reign of Terror had caused deep divisions within French society, leading to internal conflicts and factionalism. The new constitution aimed to promote reconciliation and unity by creating a more inclusive political structure that allowed for broader participation.


4. Protection of Individual Rights: The Reign of Terror had witnessed widespread abuses of human rights, with many individuals being executed without due process. The Constitution of 1795 included provisions to protect individual rights and liberties, drawing lessons from the excesses of the previous radical phase.


5. End of Revolutionary Excesses: The Reign of Terror was marked by radical and revolutionary fervor that often resulted in extreme measures. The new constitution and the Directory aimed to establish a more moderate and measured approach to governance, moving away from the radicalism of the earlier revolutionary years.


While the Constitution of 1795 and the Directory were attempts to bring stability and address the issues arising from the Reign of Terror, they faced challenges and eventually gave way to further political changes, including the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the establishment of the Consulate.