Introduction   * 1871 Paris Commune: two-month revolutionary government in Paris. 1   * Revolution that defined the modern French Republic.   * First contemporary Marxist worker’s revolution.   * Foundation for democratic rule and social voice in France. 2   * Brief rule presented vital historic lessons for all sides. 3 The Paris Commune of 1871 was a brief revolutionary government that took control of Paris in the midst of social and political turmoil in France at the time. Driven by ideologies of Marxism, socialism, and anarchism, it sought to give governance and democracy back to the people after decades of exploitation and financial inequality. However, the Paris Commune remains largely not studied, even in France This topic was inherently interesting to me because it holds such great importance historically to France and overall revolutionary history which occurred globally in the next century. Build-Up to the Paris Commune   * Since 1789 French Revolution, society experienced continuous evolution.   * “Social” republic experienced a crisis of policy and leadership. 4   * Political elite rampant with corruption and despotism.   * Society greatly invigorated by Marx’s proletarian involvement and radical democracy.   * Universal support for communality as Paris expanded. 5 France underwent significant social and political changes in the period from 1789 to the 1871 Commune, with constant shifts between democracy, monarchy, and authoritarian leadership of Napoleon. One thing was evident, that corruption and inequality was present, particularly in Paris which grew tremendously. The workers living in poor conditions and having little political input were dissatisfied with the status quo. Radical democracy and Marx’s socialist ideologies were beginning to take root as a commune type of government received support. Coming into Power   * 1870 Franco-Prussian war which France lost and had to capitulate Paris.   * Royalty and elite left the city with the army which Prussians left to self-govern.   * Army sought to collect artillery from Parisian National Guard and was prevented by the public, forced to retreat.   * Paris Commune formed March 26, 1871. 6   * Open revolution against the national government and establishing a socially governed Commune. The national government was doing poorly at governing the country and Paris, engaging in a war with Prussia which France eventually lost and had to surrender Paris as Prussians practically starved the city to capitulation. Parisians saw this as betrayal as the ruling elite left the city and those who were left hoarded the supplies. When the Army came to collect cannons and munitions from a fort in Paris, it was blocked by the Parisian National guard and a huge crowd, signifying rebellion. The army refused to fire upon its people and left, allowing the Commune to form its own government in Paris. Period of Governance   * Held democratic elections to form a 80 person council.   * City divided into communes and self-governed neighborhoods. 7   * 10 Commissions formed to oversee provisional life. 8   * Shackles of power eliminated, and city prospered under social rule. 9   * Separation of church and state and disruption of religious and economic power hierarchies. 10 Initially the Paris Commune was highly successful in social governance, holding elections, eliminating the police force, allowing for Parisian neighborhoods to self-regulate. Crime virtually disappeared and the city was cleaner than ever as workers could now control their living conditions and funding was distributed properly. The Paris Commune further adopted Marx’s ideology of separation