David A Shafer

Historian David A. Shafer, author of The Paris Commune, dives into the thrilling and tumultuous events of 1871 when Parisians seized control, creating a radically progressive government. He discusses the Commune's ambitious reforms like abolishing nighttime bakery work and establishing compulsory education. The podcast also highlights the crucial roles women played, including figures like Louise Michel, and examines the harsh aftermath for those labeled Communards, including executions and exiles. These discussions reveal the Commune's complex legacy in French history and its enduring influences.