France and Germany sign the Treaty of Frankfurt

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.

Louis Rossel resigned after criticizing the military organization of the Commune and the National Guard. Charles Delescluze assumed responsibility for the war effort the following day.

The Council called on other French cities to support communal liberty and the struggle against the Versailles government. By this point, most provincial communes had already been suppressed.

Members opposing the Committee of Public Safety announced that they would withdraw from council meetings and work in their districts. They objected to concentrating power in an executive committee.

The Vendôme Column, viewed as a monument to militarism and imperial conquest, was demolished in a public ceremony. Gustave Courbet had earlier proposed moving the monument, but later became associated...

A major explosion at an ammunition works killed and injured workers and nearby residents. Communards suspected sabotage, although the precise cause remained disputed.

The Commune directed that religious symbols and instruction be removed from schools and accelerated the creation of secular education. The policy accompanied efforts to improve education for girls.