Napoleon's Rise: The Terrain Negotiations and Coup in France

After the War of the First Coalition, French and Austrian diplomats were negotiating a peace treaty, while political infighting erupted in France. With the Coup of Fruckodor, the majority faction within the directory secured their power and focused on cracking down on royalism. Napoleon Bonaparte’s influence grew, and he secured a free hand in negotiating peace with Austria. The negotiations at Campo Formio had been stalled, with both sides hoping for internal political changes in Paris. However, after the coup, Austria was forced to negotiate seriously. Napoleon used aggressive tactics, threatened war, and ultimately signed the Treaty of Campo Formio on October 27, 1797.