The Paris Commune and Its Legacy - France Since 1871

Explore the historical significance and lasting impact of the Paris Commune of 1871 in this 45-minute lecture from Yale University's "France Since 1871" course. Delve into the events leading up to the Commune, including Napoleon III's reign and the Franco-Prussian War. Examine the siege of Paris, the fall of France, and the formation of the Commune. Analyze the composition of the Commune and the tensions between urban and rural France. Learn about the progressive social measures implemented during the communards' brief reign, such as the relative emancipation of women, despite challenges like food shortages and disease. Understand the brutal repression of the Commune by the French army and its long-lasting effects on leftist politics in Europe. Gain insights into how this event anticipated the great massacres of the twentieth century and shaped subsequent generations in Europe.