Law of Hostages
Encyclopedia
In 1799, late in the French Revolution
, the Law of Hostages was enacted by the Executive Directory (Fr. Directoire exécutif, also referred to as the French Directory
) in order to assure itself of domination in the provinces. The law allowed local authorities to draw up lists of "hostages" responsible for certain criminal offences, specifically intended to be applied to persons suspected of threatening the authority of the Executive Directory. The law was intended to pacify regions that the Executive Directory viewed as problematic. Since local authorities were responsible for the execution of the Law of Hostages it was not always effective since local authorities often sympathized with those it was intended to be used against or they refrained because they did not want to cause strife in their community.
French Revolution
The French Revolution , sometimes distinguished as the 'Great French Revolution' , was a period of radical social and political upheaval in France and Europe. The absolute monarchy that had ruled France for centuries collapsed in three years...
, the Law of Hostages was enacted by the Executive Directory (Fr. Directoire exécutif, also referred to as the French Directory
French Directory
The Directory was a body of five Directors that held executive power in France following the Convention and preceding the Consulate...
) in order to assure itself of domination in the provinces. The law allowed local authorities to draw up lists of "hostages" responsible for certain criminal offences, specifically intended to be applied to persons suspected of threatening the authority of the Executive Directory. The law was intended to pacify regions that the Executive Directory viewed as problematic. Since local authorities were responsible for the execution of the Law of Hostages it was not always effective since local authorities often sympathized with those it was intended to be used against or they refrained because they did not want to cause strife in their community.