The waters of the Mediterranean stretched endlessly before them as Manuel stood at the bow of the ship, inhaling the salty air. The journey back to France had been uneventful, but his mind was anything but calm. The weight of history—and his own ambitions—pressed upon him.
Unlike the historical Napoleon, Manuel had no intention of returning to France unprepared. He had spent the voyage carefully planning his next moves, reviewing maps, analyzing political alliances, and preparing for the power vacuum that awaited him in Paris. He knew that the French government, the weak and chaotic Directory, was on the brink of collapse. The people were restless, longing for stability. The military, the true backbone of France, needed a strong leader.
He would give them one.
(Landing in France)
The ship docked near Fréjus, and Manuel stepped onto French soil with calculated confidence. The journey back to Paris was met with overwhelming enthusiasm—just as history had recorded. News of his victories in Egypt had spread, and the public saw him as a hero. They did not yet know of the failures in the Egyptian campaign, nor did they care. To them, he was the man who could restore France's former glory.
As he rode toward the capital, he was greeted by cheering crowds and soldiers eager to serve under his command. Yet Manuel knew better than to bask in the adoration. His mind was already on the coup d'état he would soon orchestrate.
The Political Landscape
Paris was a city in turmoil. The Directory was plagued by corruption, indecision, and economic collapse. Manuel wasted no time in seeking an audience with Emmanuel Sieyès, one of the most influential politicians in the Directory. He knew Sieyès had already been conspiring to overthrow the government, believing that France needed a strong, decisive ruler.
Paris was a city in turmoil. The Directory was plagued by corruption, indecision, and economic collapse. Manuel wasted no time in seeking an audience with Emmanuel Sieyès, one of the most influential politicians in the Directory. He knew Sieyès had already been conspiring to overthrow the government, believing that France needed a strong, decisive ruler.
"Bonaparte," Sieyès greeted him as they met in a dimly lit study, "France is in need of a savior."
Manuel smirked. "Then it is fortunate that I have returned."
They spoke at length about the state of the Republic, the military's loyalty, and the need for a coup. Sieyès, convinced of Manuel's resolve and capability, agreed to support him. Plans were put into motion—the military would be mobilized under the guise of defending the Republic, and key government officials would be neutralized when the time was right.
Securing the Army
Manuel knew that no coup could succeed without the support of the military. He met with his most trusted generals—Murat, Lannes, and Ney—ensuring their absolute loyalty. They were men of action, warriors who respected strength. He promised them glory, stability, and the resurgence of France as a dominant power.
"The time for weakness has passed," he declared. "The people demand leadership. We will give them what they need."
Murat grinned. "Tell us when, and we shall deliver Paris into your hands."
The Coup Begins
November 9, 1799—the day of the coup.
As planned, Manuel, alongside his loyal officers, moved swiftly. The Council of Ancients and the Council of Five Hundred were thrown into chaos as soldiers surrounded the government chambers. When the politicians resisted, Manuel himself entered the chambers, standing before them as the embodiment of power.
He raised his voice above the uproar. "France has suffered enough under indecisive and corrupt leadership. I offer strength, order, and victory. Stand with me, and together, we shall restore France's greatness."
The opposition tried to resist, but the military's presence made it clear—this was no negotiation. The Directory collapsed. Sieyès and his allies ensured the legal transition of power, and by the end of the day, Manuel was named First Consul of France.
He had done what Napoleon had before him—but this time, he would ensure that France would not merely rise. It would rule.