National Convention The National Convention (20 September 1792 – 26 October 1795) was led by the
President of the National Convention; the presidency rotated fortnightly. From 1793 the National Convention was dominated by its
Committee of Public Safety, in which the leading figures were
Georges Danton and then
Maximilien Robespierre.
Directory The Directory was officially led by a president, as stipulated by Article 141 of the Constitution of the Year III. An entirely ceremonial post, the first president was
Jean-François Rewbell, who was chosen by lot on 2 November 1795. The Directors conducted their elections privately, with the presidency rotating every three months. The last President was
Louis-Jérôme Gohier. The leading figure of the Directory was
Paul Barras, the only director to serve throughout the entirety of the Directory’s existence. ;Political parties After the
Coup of 18 Brumaire (9 November 1799), Barras, Ducos, and Sieyès resigned.Moulin and Gohier, refusing to resign, were arrested by
General Moreau.
Consulate Napoléon Bonaparte proclaimed himself
Emperor of the French in 1804, reigning as Emperor Napoleon I 1804–1814 (
First French Empire) and 1815 (
Hundred Days). The monarchy was restored 1814–1815 and 1815–1830 (
Bourbon Restoration); again 1830–1848 (
July Monarchy). ==Second Republic (1848–1852)==