The word 'Commune' in French denotes a council of a small town or district. Paris Commune was an organized form of government, which ruled Paris from March 18, 1871 to May 28 in 1871. It is recognized as one of the greatest epochs in Paris history marked by a series of important events.
The rise of Paris Commune was a result of uprisings in Paris after the French were defeated in the Franco Prussian War. The common people of Paris were fed up with the after affects of the war and the French workers were not happy with their working conditions. There was growing disparity between the rich and the poor and food shortages and military failures worsened the situation. The common people in Paris demanded a democratic and social republic.
In January 1871, the Germans marched into Paris. The French people were very bitter about the fact that the Prussians would rule Paris even for a short time. The Parisians became members of the 'National Guard', a military organization formed by ordinary people. It was formed to defend Paris from the attack of the Germans. Although the Germans entered Paris, they left it in a short time. Paris political scenario was full of excitement and the seat of power in France was left empty. In the meantime, the National Guard people managed to take away number of cannons and kept it in their custody. Adolphe Thiers emerged as the head of the new temporary government.
The Central Committee of the National Guards was establishing their stronghold in Paris. This was an eyesore for the provisional government and on March 18, 187, 1 Adolph Thiers ordered the canons to be seized. The regular troops instead of hearing his orders merged and helped the National Guards. Claude Martin Lecomte, who was then the general at Montmartre ordered open fire on the National
|
Guards and civilians of the country. This event in turn led to a rebellion. Adolph Thiers and all the officials fled from Paris and the Central Committee of the National Guard remained as the effective government in Paris. This paved way for the rise of Paris Commune in Paris.
The elections of Paris Commune were held on 26th March 1871. Communal Council of Paris Commune, which was formed after the elections comprised of 92 members. Members were professionals and skilled workers such as doctors and journalists. Many renowned political activists also joined in. Louis Auguste Blanqui was elected as the President of the Council.
After being elected, the social measures adopted by the commune were positive. Right to vote for women, separation of church and state and abolition of night duty from Paris bakeries enjoyed a top agenda.
The National Guard of the Paris Commune was engaged in a brawl with the regular Versailles Army on 2nd April but there were no signs of civil war. Courbevoie, a nearby suburb was in the mean time occupied by the local government. The government forces during the months of April and May occupied the cities powerful defense spots and pushed the National Guards back. Versaillese troops virtually took over the whole city. The troops faced toughest resistance from the working class districts. Supporting the National Guards became a crime. The supporters were ruthlessly slaughtered and shot at sight. The whole week is remembered in the history of Paris Commune as 'The Bloody Week'. This marked the end and the downfall of Paris Commune.
Paris Commune is one of the most interesting events in the history and is regarded as a landmark especially, by many eminent communist leaders of the world.
|
