The Transformation of Electoral Politics in the Directory and Napoleonic Periods

The Directory represents a rare attempt to establish a moderate liberal regime shortly after a revolutionary dictatorship and the Terror. It was the first constitutional republic in French history. No revolutionary regime understood the importance of elections as much as the Directory. None intervened in electoral contests to the same degree. The Directory period was rich in electoral innovations. For the first time, candidacies were legal. Embryonic political parties, an electoral campaign, and official candidates made rapid progress in the elections of the Years V, VI, and VII. In addition, the press became more political. According to Patrice Gueniffey, political life under the Directory represents the first steps in France’s apprenticeship in democracy. ¹