The Petroleuse Myth and Misogynistic Backlash

How many people were slaughtered in the street-to-street battle for Paris known as the ‘bloody week’? Why did the German Chancellor help the French government start a civil war? Who were the ‘Petroleuses’, the mythical wild-eyed working class women accused of setting the city on fire? 

David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell relive the brutal final days of the Paris Commune.  

Social Producer: Emma Jackson, Harry Balden

Producer: Alice Horrell

Head of History: Dom Johnson

Exec Producer: Tony Pastor

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