1871 French Civil War

The 1871 French Civil War, known as the Paris Commune, was a short-lived government formed by socialist and radical factions in Paris after France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. Frustrated with national government policies and seeking more local control, Parisians established their own administration. The national government, based in Versailles, responded with military force to suppress the Commune, leading to brutal fighting. The conflict resulted in thousands of deaths and the collapse of the Commune after about two months. It highlighted deep social divides and significantly influenced future French politics and socialism.