Final answer:
Napoleon established a new constitution and the Consulate, ending the Directory's wars and paving the way for his dominance in the French government.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the coup d’etat and the resignation of the Directory, one of the first things Napoleon did was establish a new constitution and set up the three-member Consulate to replace the Directory, positioning himself as the First Consul. This move signaled a crucial shift in power, essentially paving the way for him to dominate the French government.
Napoleon, a celebrated war hero, had defended the Directory against rebellions and rapidly risen through military ranks after graduating from military school. Understanding the importance of stability, he sought to end the wars initiated by the Directory. Notably, the French victory at the Battle of Hohenlinden led the Austrians to seek peace, and the subsequent Treaty of Amiens in 1802 resulted to a brief peace between France and Great Britain. His actions post-coup were guided by his ambition to restore order and return France to a position of power in Europe.