overrunning of Europe. General Chérin was killed at Zurich, without
being aware of the intentions of the government towards him.

The victory of Zurich, although, it prevented the advance of the
enemy into the country, gave the Directory only a momentary respite.
The government was everywhere crumbling; no one had confidence in it.
The treasury was bankrupt; the Vendée and Brittany were in open revolt;
the interior stripped of troops; the Midi in turmoil; the chamber of
deputies squabbling among themselves, and with the executive. In
short, the state was on the verge of disaster.

Everyone in politics recognised that a major change was necessary
and inevitable; but although all agreed on this point, opinions
differed as to the remedy to be employed. The old Republicans, who
upheld the constitution of year III, then still in force, believed
that it would be sufficient to change several members of the
Directory. Two of them were removed and replaced by MM. Gohier and
Moulins; but this was the feeblest of palliatives for the calamities
which afflicted the country, and it continued to be shaken by
anarchy.

It was then that several members of the Directory, amongst whom
was the well-known Sieyès, thought, as did many of the deputies and
the great majority of the public, that to save France it was
necessary to put the reins of government in the hands of someone
resolute and already distinguished by services given to the state. It
was realised, also, that this would have to be a soldier who had
great influence in the army, and who was able, by re-arousing
national enthusiasm, to lead our banners to victory and chase away
the foreigners who were preparing to cross our frontiers.