The New Student's Reference Work/Directory

Directory, the name given to the executive department of the French republican government by the constitution of 1795. There were in France two legislative bodies like our senate and house of representatives. The directory was composed of five directors, elected by the upper legislative house, corresponding to our senate, from a list of names proposed by the lower body, which corresponded to our house of representatives. One of the number retired each year and a new one was elected. Under their management France was very successful in war, but they did not succeed in quieting internal disturbances, nor did they agree among themselves. Three of the directors, of whom Barras was the leader, managed to get the other two removed and new ones appointed. Many other such changes took place, Barras being the only one who remained a director during the four years the directory lasted. On Nov. 9, 1799, Napoleon succeeded in abolishing the directory, and practically became ruler of France, at first under the title of Consul.