Journey Through Time 49. The Paris Commune: France Wages War On Its Own Capital (Ep 4)
Nov 20, 2025
Explore the chaos of the Paris Commune, where paranoia and violence tore the city apart. Discover the grim realities of the 'bloody week' and the myth of the 'Petroleuses', fierce women accused of arson. Witness brutal street battles, resulting in staggering casualties and executions. Delve into the legacy of this civil war, reflecting on its impact on French identity and political memory. From artistic losses to the complexities of revenge, the harsh realities of the commune's collapse reveal powerful truths about trust and governance.
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Bismarck Enabled France To Self-Destruct
- Otto von Bismarck released 60,000 French POWs so Thiers could crush Paris, effectively letting France do its own dirty work.
- This deliberately weakened France by encouraging internal slaughter and postponing reparations to aid Versailles' suppression.
Using Outsider Troops To Suppress Revolt
- Thiers used non-Parisian troops who would obey orders and fire on Parisians without hesitation.
- That tactic ensured Versailles' forces crushed the Commune in brutal street fighting starting May 10, 1871.
Improvised Barricades Versus A Professional Army
- The Commune lacked a coherent defense plan and improvised barricades too late across Haussmann's deliberately vulnerable boulevards.
- Despite massive barricades, improvised defenses could not stop a professional army with artillery.