The Paris Commune was a radical socialist and revolutionary government that ruled Paris from March 18 to May 28, 1871. This period is often considered one of the most significant events in the history of the French working class and a precursor to the rise of socialism in France and elsewhere.
The backdrop to the Paris Commune was the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), which ended in defeat for France, leading to the capture of Napoleon III and the fall of the Second French Empire. The war's conclusion saw the signing of the Treaty of Frankfurt, which imposed harsh terms on France, including the loss of Alsace-Lorraine and a large indemnity payment. These events caused widespread discontent in Paris, exacerbated by economic hardship, food shortages, and the presence of Prussian troops.
Following the armistice with Prussia, the French government moved to Versailles, leaving Paris in a state of political vacuum. This void was filled by the National Guard, composed largely of working-class Parisians, who elected a new municipal council. On March 18, 1871, after tensions rose over the government's attempt to disarm the National Guard, Parisians revolted, leading to the formation of the Paris Commune.
The Paris Commune was in direct conflict with the French government in Versailles, led by Adolphe Thiers. After initial skirmishes, Thiers ordered an assault on Paris in May 1871, known as "Bloody Week" or "La Semaine Sanglante". The Commune's resistance was crushed, leading to:
The Paris Commune has left a lasting legacy: