All about the directory, work of the national convention, and napoleon bonaparte.

7. Napoleon Took Power! Behind Napoleon becoming a hero, the British organized an alliance of nations against France, driving the French armies out of Italy, and French control began to decrease. The supporters of Napoleon thought that he was the only one who could restore order, and in return developed a plan to overthrow the government and put Napoleon in power. In 1799, four of the five directors were no longer in power because troops forced most of the members of the legislature to leave. Those who remained turned to government over to Napoleon. Seizing power by force like this is referred to as coup d'état (or “stroke of state.”) The words of Napoleon: “I found the crown of France lying on the ground, and I picked it up with my sword.”