Model of 'La Muiron' which Napoleon commissioned for his study. This is a model of the ship on which Napoleon returned from Egypt © Musée national de la Marine Napoleon returned to France, landing in Fréjus on 9 October 1799. His timing was fortunate. Sièyes, a member of the five-man governing Directory, had recognized that the constitution was failing and that strong leadership was urgently needed. Napoleon was still popular, despite his retreat from Egypt, and Sièyes enlisted his military support for a coup.

On 9 and 10 November, the Directory, elected councils and the existing constitution were abolished. Napoleon was installed as First Consul and the two other newly-appointed Consuls were soon relegated to advisory roles. He took sole responsibility for creating the new constitution.

The Battle of Marengo >>