The Commune prohibits workplace fines and wage deductions

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.

The declaration set out a programme of autonomous communes united in a democratic republic. It called for local control of administration, education, police and finances while affirming the unity of...

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

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.

Gustave Paul Cluseret was removed after the loss of military positions and growing criticism of the Commune’s defence. Louis Rossel replaced him as delegate for war.

A majority of the Council created a five-member Committee of Public Safety with broad executive powers. A minority opposed the body as authoritarian and contrary to the Commune’s democratic...