Meanwhile, the French people were growing more dissatisfied with the Directory. They saw it as weak and inefficient, and they had no confidence that it could solve their economic problems or protect them from the foreign invaders. Napoleon learned about these sentiments and decided to take advantage of them. In 1799, Napoleon returned to Paris and overthrew the Directory government through a coup d’état, or military takeover. On November 9, Napoleon established a new government called the Consulate. He eliminated the Directory and named himself the First Consul.

What was one factor that enabled Napoleon to seize control of France?

A the endorsement by foreign governments

B the support Napoleon received from French aristocrats

C bad leadership of the French revolutionary government

D the strong democratic reforms Napoleon advocated