Was the Paris Commune an Anarchist?

By Alice Nichols

The Paris Commune was a radical socialist and revolutionary government that ruled Paris from March 18th to May 28th, 1871. The Commune was established after the French army was defeated by the Prussian army during the Franco-Prussian War, and the French government fled Paris. The Commune was made up of working-class men and women, who sought to create a society based on equality, social justice, and worker control.

One of the most debated questions about the Paris Commune is whether it was an anarchist movement or not. Anarchism is a political philosophy that believes in the abolition of all forms of government and hierarchical structures. Anarchists believe that individuals should organize themselves freely, without coercion or authority.

While some historians argue that the Paris Commune was an anarchist movement because of its anti-authoritarian and anti-state stance, others disagree. The truth is likely somewhere in between.

The Paris Commune was not explicitly anarchist. Its members were mostly socialists, communists, and other left-wing radicals who sought to create a society based on workers’ control. They wanted to establish a new form of government that would be more democratic than previous forms of government in France.

However, the Paris Commune did have some anarchist characteristics. For example, it rejected centralized authority and instead relied on decentralized forms of decision-making. It also abolished standing armies and replaced them with popular militias.

Additionally, the Paris Commune implemented policies that were consistent with anarchist principles. For example, it abolished private property and declared that all workplaces should be managed collectively by workers themselves.

Furthermore, many anarchists supported the Paris Commune at the time because they saw it as a step towards creating a truly free society without rulers or bosses.

In conclusion, while it is debatable whether or not the Paris Commune was an explicitly anarchist movement, it did have some anarchist characteristics. Its members were committed to creating a more egalitarian and democratic society, and they implemented policies that were consistent with anarchist principles. The Paris Commune remains an important event in the history of socialism and revolutionary movements, and its legacy continues to inspire activists and radicals around the world today.