The Commune adopts the Declaration to the French People

A decree suspended legal action over commercial debts and extended repayment periods. The measure sought to protect small businesses and workers from the economic consequences of the siege.

The Commune authorized artist Gustave Courbet to restore the museums of Paris and reopen their galleries. Artists later organized to administer cultural institutions through an elected federation.

Trade-union and workers’ organizations were asked to identify workshops abandoned by their owners and prepare plans for their operation by cooperative associations. The decree became one of the...

Voters filled seats left vacant by resignations, multiple elections and deaths. Turnout was lower than in March, reflecting warfare, political division and population flight.

The Commune postponed payment deadlines for commercial bills to protect debtors affected by the siege and civil war.

Vacant homes were requisitioned for people whose houses had been damaged by bombardment. The measure attempted to respond to displacement caused by the fighting.

Employers were forbidden to impose arbitrary fines or deductions on workers’ wages. The Commune described these practices as an unjustified reduction of pay.

An appeal addressed peasants and agricultural labourers, arguing that Paris fought for a republic that would also reduce rural exploitation and inequality.

The executive commission issued rules implementing the ban on overnight bakery labour from 3 May. The measure answered a longstanding demand from bakery workers for healthier working hours.

The Commune created a commission to develop free, secular primary and vocational education. Women teachers and activists participated in efforts to expand girls’ education.