Louise Michel

Biography

After France’s defeat by Prussia, Paris declared a commune. Michel fought on the barricades, survived the Bloody Week, and was deported. She returned as a radical speaker.

Revolution

Theme. Communal democracy · Workers’ power

Key figures. Eugène Varlin

Outcome. The Commune was crushed and became a founding memory of the socialist movement.

Casualties. Thousands of Communards were killed in street fighting and executions.

Influence. A reference for later workers’ councils.