The Paris Commune was a radical socialist government that ruled Paris from March 18 to May 28, 1871. It was formed in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War and the fall of Napoleon III’s Second Empire.
The Commune was comprised of ordinary workers and citizens who took control of the city after overthrowing the French government. This article will explore what the Paris Commune did during its brief existence.
The Establishment of the Paris Commune
On March 18, 1871, a group of workers and radical activists took control of the city hall in Paris, which they renamed the Hotel de Ville. They declared themselves to be the Commune of Paris and urged other cities in France to follow their lead. The new government was made up of delegates elected by popular vote from each district in Paris.
Reforms Implemented by the Paris Commune
One of the first orders of business for the Commune was to enact a series of reforms aimed at improving conditions for working-class people. Some of these reforms included:
- Abolition of Night Work: The Commune banned night work for bakers, which had previously been a common practice.
- Free Education: The Commune established free, secular education for all children.
- End to Military Conscription: The Commune abolished military conscription, which had been used to force young men into service.
- Worker Control: The Commune encouraged worker cooperatives and placed factories under worker control.
The Bloody Suppression of the Paris Commune
Despite its progressive reforms, the Paris Commune faced fierce opposition from both inside and outside France. In May 1871, French troops under Adolphe Thiers, the head of the French government, launched a brutal assault on Paris.
The Commune’s poorly trained and equipped soldiers were no match for the professional French army. The fighting lasted for a week and resulted in the deaths of thousands of Parisians.
Conclusion
The Paris Commune was a short-lived experiment in radical democracy and socialism. Despite its ultimate failure, it left a lasting impact on political movements around the world. The Commune’s emphasis on worker control and direct democracy inspired later socialist movements, while its brutal suppression served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of revolutionary politics.
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