The Commune schedules the end of night work in bakeries

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.

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

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.

After sustained bombardment and confused Communard command, government forces occupied Fort Issy. Its fall weakened the southwestern defence of Paris.