The Paris Commune was a radical socialist and revolutionary government that ruled Paris from March 18 to May 28, 1871. It was formed after the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War and the subsequent collapse of the French government.
The Commune was made up of working-class and socialist representatives who sought to create a more democratic and egalitarian society. Let’s take a closer look at what they did.
The Establishment of the Paris Commune
The Paris Commune was established on March 18, 1871, when the people of Paris rose up against the French government. The government had recently signed an armistice with Prussia, which resulted in France losing Alsace-Lorraine and paying a large indemnity to Prussia. The people of Paris were outraged by this and saw it as a betrayal by the French government.
The National Guard, which was made up of working-class citizens, took control of Paris and established the Commune. They held elections for representatives from each district in Paris, creating a government that represented all classes and genders.
The Goals of the Paris Commune
The goals of the Paris Commune were to create a more democratic and egalitarian society. They aimed to abolish class privileges and establish workers’ control over production. The Commune also wanted to establish free education for all children, separate church and state, and grant women equal rights.
Abolishing Class Privileges
One of the first actions taken by the Commune was to abolish all class privileges. They abolished conscription and replaced it with voluntary enlistment in the National Guard. They also abolished night work for bakers, which had previously been mandatory.
Workers’ Control Over Production
The Commune believed that workers should have control over production. They established committees to manage factories that had been abandoned by their owners. The Commune also encouraged workers to take over factories and other workplaces that were still operating.
Free Education for All Children
The Commune believed that education should be free and accessible to all children. They established a system of free education for all children, regardless of their social class or gender.
Separation of Church and State
The Commune believed in the separation of church and state. They abolished the payment of priests by the state and confiscated church property to be used for public purposes.
Equal Rights for Women
The Commune was also committed to granting women equal rights. They allowed women to participate in politics, established day nurseries for working mothers, and abolished the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children.
The Fall of the Paris Commune
The Paris Commune was short-lived and lasted only 72 days. The French government, under the leadership of Adolphe Thiers, was determined to crush the Commune. They mobilized an army that surrounded Paris and bombarded it with artillery.
The National Guard fought valiantly but was eventually defeated by the French army. Thousands of Communards were killed in the fighting or executed after being captured. The fall of the Paris Commune marked a significant setback for socialist movements in Europe, but it also served as an inspiration for future struggles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Paris Commune was a short-lived but significant experiment in socialist government. It sought to create a more democratic and egalitarian society through abolishing class privileges, establishing workers’ control over production, providing free education for all children, separating church and state, and granting women equal rights. While it ultimately failed due to military intervention by the French government, its legacy continues to inspire socialist movements around the world today.