Deaths on January 29

Paul François Jean Nicolas, vicomte de Barras, French captain and politician (b. 1755)

Paul François Jean Nicolas, vicomte de Barras (French: [bara:s]), born on 30 June 1755 and passing away on 29 January 1829, was a profoundly influential and often controversial French politician who rose to prominence during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution. Commonly known simply as Paul Barras, he carved out a significant niche in history as the principal executive leader of the French Directory regime, which governed France from 1795 to 1799. His nearly continuous tenure and political astuteness made him a central figure in the post-Thermidorian era.

Born into an aristocratic family in Fox-Amphoux, Provence, Barras initially pursued a military career, serving as a lieutenant in the Pondicherry regiment and participating in expeditions to India. Despite his noble lineage, he enthusiastically embraced the ideals of the French Revolution, becoming a deputy for the Var department to the National Convention in 1792. During the radical phase of the Revolution, Barras aligned himself with the Montagnards, though he was pragmatic enough to adapt to shifting political currents, a trait that would define his career.

Barras played a pivotal role in the dramatic events of the Thermidorian Reaction. He was instrumental in orchestrating the downfall of Maximilien Robespierre on 9 Thermidor Year II (27 July 1794), personally commanding the forces that secured the Convention and arrested Robespierre. This crucial action positioned him as a key figure in the subsequent government and marked the end of the Reign of Terror. His leadership in suppressing the Prairial Uprising of 1795, a last gasp of Jacobin radicalism, further solidified his authority and reputation as a man of action.

When the Directory was established in 1795 under the Constitution of Year III, Barras was among the first five Directors elected. This collegiate executive body aimed to provide stability after the excesses of the Terror and the fragility of the Convention. Barras distinguished himself as the most enduring and dominant member of this five-person executive, largely due to his political cunning, his vast network of contacts, and his willingness to navigate complex political intrigues. He survived numerous internal coups and purges, outlasting many of his colleagues and ensuring his continuous presence at the helm of the state. It was also Barras who, in October 1795, entrusted the young artillery general Napoleon Bonaparte with the task of defending the National Convention against royalist insurgents during the 13 Vendémiaire uprising, an event that significantly propelled Bonaparte's career.

Barras's period of influence within the Directory was characterized by political instability, a struggle against both royalist and Jacobin opposition, and pervasive corruption. He was known for his extravagant lifestyle, hosting lavish parties and maintaining a court-like atmosphere, which earned him a reputation for moral laxity, often contrasting sharply with the austerity initially espoused by the Revolution. Despite the criticisms, his political pragmatism allowed the Directory to survive for four years, albeit precariously, by skillfully playing different factions against each other.

Ultimately, the Directory's inability to bring lasting peace or economic stability to France led to its downfall. Barras, despite his previous political dexterity, gradually lost his grip on power. The coup of 18 Brumaire (9 November 1799), orchestrated by Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès and primarily executed by Napoleon Bonaparte, effectively ended the Directory regime. Barras was compelled to resign, marking the end of his significant political career. He subsequently lived in exile and under surveillance for several years, eventually returning to France.

Who was Paul Barras?

Paul Barras was a prominent French politician of the French Revolution era, best known as the main executive leader of the Directory regime that governed France from 1795 to 1799. Born into a noble family, he played a crucial role in the overthrow of Robespierre and was instrumental in shaping the post-Terror government.

What was the Directory regime?

The Directory was the five-member executive body that ruled France from 1795 to 1799, established after the Reign of Terror. It aimed to provide a more stable and moderate government, but it was often characterized by political instability, internal coups, and economic challenges.

Why was Barras considered the "main executive leader" of the Directory?

Barras was the "main executive leader" because of his exceptional political cunning, his long tenure as a Director (serving almost the entire duration of the Directory), and his ability to survive numerous political upheavals and purges that removed other Directors. His influence stemmed from his extensive networks, strategic alliances, and his pivotal roles in critical events like the Thermidorian Reaction and the suppression of royalist revolts.

What was Paul Barras's connection to Napoleon Bonaparte?

Paul Barras was a key early patron of Napoleon Bonaparte. He appointed the young general to command the forces that suppressed the royalist uprising of 13 Vendémiaire in 1795, a success that significantly boosted Bonaparte's career. However, it was Bonaparte who ultimately orchestrated the Coup of 18 Brumaire in 1799, which led to Barras's resignation and the dissolution of the Directory, marking the end of Barras's political dominance.