Struggle for survival: The French Directory and the Papacy
by Helton, Patricia Ann, M.A., CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, DOMINGUEZ HILLS, 2010, 70 pages; 1487111

Abstract:

The French Revolution is one of the most studied periods of history. One event often overlooked by historians is the abduction of Pope Pius VI by French forces. The Directory considered the Roman Catholic Church an enemy of the French Republic; therefore, it was necessary to destroy the Church. It chose to strike at the center of Church power, the Papacy. Not merely content to remove the Pope as a temporal ruler, the Directory took him prisoner back to France.

This thesis will argue that this action had grave political implications. By refusing to negotiate peace with Pius VI, the Directory missed an opportunity to quell animosity in France, influence European Catholics who rose in rebellion, and gave aid to enemy Coalition forces. The death of the aged Pontiff, after eighteen months of inhumane captivity, was a serious political blunder that contributed to the downfall of the Directory.

 
AdviserWilliam L. Cumiford
SchoolCALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, DOMINGUEZ HILLS
SourceMAI/ 49-02, p. , Dec 2010
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsReligious history; European history; Military history
Publication Number1487111
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