Barras, Paul François Jean Nicolas, Count (1755–1829)

French revolutionary. He was elected to the National Convention in 1792 and helped to overthrow Robespierre in 1794. In 1795 he became a member of the ruling Directory (see French Revolution). In 1796 he brought about the marriage of his former mistress, Joséphine de Beauharnais, with Napoleon and assumed dictatorial powers. After Napoleon's coup d'état on 19 November 1799, Barras fell into disgrace.