I assume I don't need to recap the French Revolution for people but by 1796 Robespierre has been overthrown and France is being ruled by the Directory.
The Directory is dispossessing the clergy, suspending the payment of all debt and with armies led by Bonaparte, the French have conquered much of Italy and have defeated the Army of the First Coalition with their utter defeat of the Habsburg armies in Germany.
The situation is violent and chaotic and observers expect further shifts until something happens to stabilize the situation.