AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Army Becomes The Directory's Backbone
- The regular army became the Directory's backbone after Termidor by enforcing order and suppressing insurrections.
- Changing political control shifted power into military hands as representatives on mission were recalled.
Generals Gain Day-To-Day Authority
- Removing revolutionary representatives on mission gave generals autonomy over daily operations and personnel.
- That autonomy produced an insular officer corps whose loyalties centered on patronage and mutual protection.
War Must Feed Itself
- Poor national finances forced armies to 'live off the land,' making conquest necessary for supply.
- This tied soldiers' welfare directly to their generals' success, aligning military incentives with offensive campaigns.