When was the Council of Five Hundred established by the Constitution of Year III?
The Council of Five Hundred was created on the 24th of September 1795 after a public referendum. This document formed the lower house of the French First Republic.
Questions about Council of Five Hundred
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What were the eligibility requirements to become a member of the Council of Five Hundred?
Each elected member had to be at least 30 years old and meet residency qualifications. They also needed to own property generating income equal to 150 days of work and pay taxes to qualify for service.
How did Napoleon Bonaparte use evidence against Jean-Charles Pichegru in 1797?
Documentation supplied by Napoleon Bonaparte later accused Pichegru of monarchist activities. The Directors used this evidence to claim the entire body plotted against the Revolution and moved quickly to annul the elections.
What happened to deputies exiled to Cayenne during the Coup of 18 Fructidor?
Deputies were arrested and 53 were exiled to Cayenne in French Guiana. Death from tropical disease was likely for those sent there, earning the punishment the nickname dry guillotine.
Who forced the resignations of three Directors on the 18th of June 1799?
The Council of Five Hundred forced the resignations of Merlin de Douai, La Révellière-Lépeaux, and Treilhard under pressure from the chamber. This event became known as the Coup of 30 Prairial VII in historical records.
When and how did the Council of Five Hundred cease to exist?
Napoleon led a group of grenadiers into the council chambers on 18 Brumaire Year VIII to drive the council out of their meeting rooms. This military dispersal ended the existence of both the Council of Five Hundred and the Council of Ancients.