September 1st, 1797.
In the picturesque city of Milan, bathed in the warm hues of Italian autumn, Napoleon Bonaparte paced restlessly in his quarters. The signing of the Peace of Leoben had brought a momentary respite to the conflict that had engulfed Europe, but for Napoleon, it was merely a stepping stone towards something greater. He knew that this momentary peace was an opportunity to solidify his power.
From the moment he set foot in Italy as the Commander of the Army, Napoleon had been captivated by the grandeur and potential of the region. He had witnessed the yearnings of the people for change, for liberation from the shackles of the old order. Napoleon saw himself as the harbinger of that change, the bringer of a new era.
With each passing day, he tirelessly worked to consolidate his power and influence in Italy. He implemented reforms that would reshape the very fabric of society, aiming to create a fairer and more just system. The people, weary from years of war and oppression, began to find hope in his vision. They saw in him a leader who could bring stability and prosperity.
Some of the reforms he enacted included the establishment of representative governments in the conquered territories, the abolition of feudal privileges, the introduction of a unified legal system, and the promotion of education and cultural development. Napoleon aimed to foster a sense of unity and progress among the Italian states, envisioning a united Italy under his leadership.
But as he was doing that, things in France weren't looking too good. Napoleon had received news from his wife, Ciela, that the Directory was in turmoil. The political landscape in France was shifting, with discontent brewing among the people and power struggles within the government. It seemed that the momentary respite in Europe was merely a facade, and Napoleon's attention was drawn back to his homeland.
Not only that, he received a letter from Barras, one of the members of the Directory. Written in his letter is his asking for military support for a coup. At that moment he read the letter, he knew what was going on.
The Coup of 18 Fructidor, also known as the Second Thermidorian Reaction, was a significant event in the tumultuous political history of the French Revolution. It took place on September 4th, 1797, corresponding to the date 18 Fructidor in the French Republican Calendar.
The French government was under the control of the Directory, a five-member executive body that had replaced the Committee of Public Safety. However, the Directory had become increasingly unstable, plagued by corruption, infighting, and economic woes. Dissatisfaction with its rule grew among the populace, and political factions sought to gain control and shape the course of the Revolution.
The coup was orchestrated by members of the Directory who feared losing power to their political rivals. Its aim is to purge the government of its opponents, particularly those associated with the political faction known as the Royalists or Monarchists.
In this world where King Louis XVI is alive, there was rising support within the French government for reinstating the monarchy. The faction seeking the return of the monarchy believed that stability could only be achieved through a restoration of the old regime. They saw in King Louis XVI a symbol of continuity and tradition.
But Napoleon isn't eager about the idea. He saved the King because he felt pity for his family, not because to reinstate them in later years.
"Murat!" Napoleon called.
Moments later, General Murat entered the quarters with a sense of urgency in his stride.
"General, you summoned me?" Murat asked.
" I need you to fetch General Augereau," Napoleon
"I will bring General Augereau to you without delay."
With a sharp salute, Murat swiftly exited the room and made his way to locate General Augereau. Five minutes later, Murat returned with General Augereau by his side.
"General Bonaparte, what is the urgency?" Augereau inquired, his gaze fixed on his commander.
Napoleon rose to his feet and faced General Augereau.
"General Augereau, I have a question for you. Are you a committed Republican?"
General Augereau's eyes widened at the unexpected question, his gaze searching Napoleon's face for clues. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding with conviction.
"General Bonaparte, I have dedicated my life to the cause of the Republic," Augereau declared, his voice unwavering. "I have fought countless battles and shed blood for the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. My loyalty lies with the people and the ideals that the Revolution represents."
"Well, in that case, I have an order for you. I want you and your division to set out to Paris and help Citizen Barras stage a coup and to preserve the Republic."
General Augereau's eyebrows furrowed in surprise and concern at Napoleon's order. He had expected a mission related to the ongoing conflicts in Italy like quelling a rebellion, not a call to intervene in the political turmoil back in France. Augereau was well aware of the discontent and power struggles within the Directory, but the prospect of intervening in such a delicate situation made him apprehensive.
"General Bonaparte, with all due respect, is it wise for us to involve ourselves in the internal affairs of the government?" Augereau questioned cautiously. "Our focus has been on securing Italy and implementing reforms. Would it not be better to maintain our position here and consolidate our achievements?"
"General Augereau, the Republic stands at a precipice," Napoleon responded, his voice filled with urgency. "The Directory is teetering, and factions that seek to undermine the principles of the Revolution are gaining strength. If we do not act now, all that we have fought for will be lost. We cannot allow the aspirations of the people to be trampled upon. Furthermore, we must not forget that the peace we have secured with Austria is temporary, as we have only signed a general armistice. Its continuance relies heavily on the stability of our government."
Augereau's gaze met Napoleon's unwaveringly, his own resolve intensifying. He recognized the gravity of the situation and the significance of their role in preserving the Republic.
"General Bonaparte, I trust your judgment," Augereau replied, his voice resolute. "If it is for the sake of the Republic and the ideals we hold dear, I will march to Paris and stand alongside Citizen Barras."
"Great," Napoleon clapped Augereau's shoulder with a firm grip.
***
At dawn on September 4th, 1797, the streets of Paris were shrouded in an eerie silence. The city had fallen under martial law, and a sense of anticipation hung in the air. In the wake of the coup, tension gripped the capital as loyalists and revolutionaries clashed in the struggle for power.
General Lazare Hoche, accompanied by his troops from the Army of Sambre-et-Meuse, had arrived to bolster the forces supporting the coup. Meanwhile, General Pierre Augereau, at Napoleon's command, led his division toward Paris to lend their aid to Citizen Barras and secure the Republic.
As the first rays of the sun bathed the city, the rumble of marching soldiers reverberated through the streets. Augereau mounted on his steed, led his division with determined resolve.
The monarchists and loyalists group within the government were overwhelmed by the astonishing display of military might. Barras stood in the center of the Place de la Concorde, a smile spreading across his lips.
"Soldiers of the Republique! Within the hallowed walls of the Tuileries Palace, the enemies of liberty and the Republic plot against us. Arrest those who are plotting to undermine the ideals for which we have fought!" Barras shouted, his voice carrying across the square.
***
A week after the coup of 18 Fructidor, the British Empire across the channel heard the news.
King George III invited King Louis XVI to his office.
"Your attempt to reinstate yourself as the rightful monarch has unfortunately met with failure, King Louis," George remarked solemnly. "The republicans, led by Paul Barras and backed by the might of the military, have successfully ousted almost all of the royalists and monarchist factions within the French government. It seems that the tides have turned against us, and we find ourselves on the losing end in Europe."
King Louis XVI's fists clenched in anger, his eyes betraying a mix of frustration and sorrow.
"It pains me to witness the extent to which my people have seemingly forgotten their king and the traditions of our monarchy. The ideals of the Revolution have taken hold, and the call for change has drowned out the echoes of the past."
"Moreover, with the Austrians soon to sign a peace treaty with France, our options are limited. As I mentioned previously, contesting the combined fleet of Spanish and French ships in the Mediterranean would be a daunting task. And I'm sure you are aware of the French attempt to invade the British Isles in Fishguard, Wales."
"So, how do you intend to react, King George? Will the British Empire continue to wage war against the French, or will you seek a different path?" Louis asked.
"Given the situation at hand and the counsel of my trusted ministers," George explained, "the British Empire will shift its strategy towards economic warfare. We shall blockade French ports, excluding those in the Mediterranean, with the intention of cutting off their trade and resources. By weakening their economy, we hope to force them to the negotiating table and secure a more favorable outcome. However, I must confess that the loss of our Mediterranean fleet has presented us with significant challenges."
King Louis XVI nodded. "Very well, King George. And…I have something to tell you. My wife wants to go home to Austria. Perhaps you can give us safe passage there?"
"Are you sure? You'd be safer here in England," George said.
"King George, I appreciate your concern, but my wife's heart yearns for her homeland," Louis XVI replied with a hint of sadness in his voice. "She believes that returning to Austria will provide us with a sense of solace and security amidst these tumultuous times. It is a decision we have made together."
King George studied Louis XVI for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Very well, if that is your decision."
"Thank you, King George, for everything you have done for my family."
King George simply nodded at King Louis's expressions of gratitude.
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