Paris Commune executions
After the French surrender ends the Franco-Prussian War in January 1871, radical socialists rise up against the government and form the Paris Commune. On March 18, 1871 a mob captures and brutally beats and shoots Generals Claude Lecomte and Jacques Thomas. After the Commune falls, the killings are commemorated by photographer Eugene Appert, who stages a “cleaned up” version of the “execution” in this photo, including a made up firing squad.
President Thiers with cabinet
Paris Commune Assassination
After defeat in the 1871 Franco-Prussian War and the fall of Maximillian I, socialists and anarchists establish the Paris Commune under Louis Blanqui to take control of the nation. Is lasts for nine days, from May 18-27, 1871, and Marx calls it “the dictatorship of the proletariat.” On May 26 the rebels they kill 62 hostages at 85 Haxo in the Belleville district, including 34 gendarmes and 11 Jesuits priests
Other Military Events
Franco-Prussian War destruction in Paris
View of buildings destroyed east of the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees during the four month long siege of Paris which ended the 1871 Franco-Prussian War.
Photography Book
Souvenir drawing of a war scene
Fighting at the town La Moncelle on September 2, 1870 during the pivotal Battle of Sedan, which effectively ends the Franco-Prussian War. Led by von Moltke the Elder, the Prussian surround the French army at Sedan and force the surrender of 104,000 troops and the imprisonment of Napoleon III. Peace terms include the cession of Alsace-Lorraine to Germany, a loss that helps spark WWI.
Franco Prussian War July 19, 1870 – May 10, 1871