Leading the Directory and Raising Napoleon to Power

Paul Barras was a nobleman turned revolutionary politician who became a dominant executive leader under the French Directory. After serving in the National Convention and voting for the execution of Louis XVI, Barras helped organize the Thermidorian Reaction that ousted Maximilien Robespierre. In October 1795, he commanded government forces during the 13 Vendémiaire royalist uprising, appointing young Napoleon Bonaparte to suppress the revolt with artillery. Barras subsequently served as a Director from 1795 to 1799, maintaining power by balancing against both royalist and Jacobin factions. His dominance ended when Napoleon overthrew the Directory in the Coup of 18 Brumaire, effectively sidelining Barras from political life.

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