The Commune appeals to rural France

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.

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

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...

People could reclaim essential objects valued below twenty francs from the municipal pawnshop without payment. The measure especially benefited poorer households.