Reports From The Paris Commune (1 of 26)

Get the latest Flash player

OttOmOlOtOv
July 12, 2007

The Franco-Prussian War which began in July 1870 causes the fall of Napoleon III's Empire. A Government of National Defense, mostly made up of moderate Republicans, seizes power in an attempt to pursue the war. It ends in failure.

The Government signs an armistice, against the will of the Parisians. The Germans challenge it's legitimacy and demand a new one be elected to sign a peace treaty. The elections of February 1871 bring back to power a strong majority of monarchists.

The Parisians express their discontent openly in what are called the "Red Clubs". From September 1870, District Committees shape their claims into a counter-power which throws Paris into a pre-revolutionary climate.

----------

The peace plan strips France of Alsace-Lorraine, imposes 5 billion fr. compensation and, supreme humiliation, allows the German army to enter Paris.

----------

During the 6 month Prussian siege, the Parisians were cold and hungry. The mortality rate doubled. The jobless join the National Guard for 30p. a day. For 30p. in January 1871, one can buy a lettuce or a dog's brain.

----------

Nearly 300,000 strong, mostly opponents of the New Assembly, the National Guard is a Federation of elected delegates. It's aim: to defend the Republic against a Prussian invasion or a monarchist Restoration.

----------

Only 10% of Paris flats have drainage, 70,000 cesspools require sewage workers laboring at night. Candle is the only source of light for 80% of Parisians.

----------

"The Black Army moves in fury, peddling night and darkness. Each year state schools shut down by the hundreds, and more religious schools open in their place. The plan for universal cretinisation is alive." Blanqui, 1870

----------

The National Guard, a militia with elected officers, is devoted to its democratic system. A Central Committee, rejecting all government authority, is elected on March 15. More than just a military force, it becomes a political power serving a revolutionary ideal.

----------

Category: News & Politics

Tags:

More From: OttOmOlOtOv

Play All Stop Autoplaying | Play Next

QuickList(0)

Clear | Save

Would you like to comment?

Join YouTube for a free account, or sign in if you are already a member.

YouTube	Programs	Help	Policy	Discover
Contact Us	Advertising	Get Help	Privacy Policy	YouTube on Your Phone
YouTube Store	Developers	YouTube Handbook	Terms of Service	YouTube on Your Site
Press Room	Partnerships	Community Help Forums	Copyright Notices	YouTube on Your TV
Business Blog	Content Management	Safety Center	Community Guidelines	YouTube RSS Feeds
YouTube Blog		Creator's Corner		TestTube

Add YouTube to your Google homepage

Current Location: Worldwide Show locations

Reports From The Paris Commune (1 of 26)

More From: OttOmOlOtOv

QuickList(0)

Featured Videos

Statistics & Data

Video Responses (0)

Text Comments (0) Options

Would you like to comment?

Reports From The Paris Commune (1 of 26)

More From: OttOmOlOtOv

QuickList(0)

Related Videos

Featured Videos

Statistics & Data

Video Responses (0)

Text Comments (0) Options

Would you like to comment?