ROAR Magazine's Blog, page 25

The Paris Commune and the idea of the state

Bakunin did not unreservedly praise everything done by the Commune, and did not hesitate to point out some of its major mistakes. But in contrast to some of his colleagues, he made allowances for its shortcomings.

The Commune of Paris

The Commune of Paris was doomed to perish, but by its eminently popular character it began a new series of revolutions and by its ideas it was the forerunner of the social revolution.

May 16 – Downfall of an emperor

Tearing down the Vendôme Column was a highly symbolic act uniting the people against the ruler; of democracy against tyranny; of the Commune against the Empire.

May 16 – Downfall of an Emperor

Tearing down the Vendôme Column was a highly symbolic act uniting the people against the ruler; of democracy against tyranny; of the Commune against the Empire.

May 16 – Tearing down the Vendôme Column

Erected in honor of Napoleon’s victories and made out of the bronze captured from enemy guns, the Vendôme Column was for the Commune “a symbol of brutal force and false glory.”

May 16 – Tearing Down the Vendôme Column

Erected in honor of Napoleon’s victories and made out of the bronze captured from enemy guns and, the Vendôme Column was for the Commune “a symbol of brutal force and false glory.”

April 23 – Execution of the Hostages

Thiers breaks off the negotiations for a hostage exchange, proposed by Commune, of the Archbishop of Paris and a whole number of other priests, for Blanqui.

April 19 – Manifesto of the Paris Commune

The Manifesto presents a powerful vision of the role the Commune can play in bringing about a “new era of experimental, positive, scientific politics.”

April 19 – The Manifesto: A Critical Reflection

British journalist Bax, a sympathizer of the Commune, offers a critical note to the widely lauded Manifesto, calling it “ill-timed and not to the point.”

April 15 – Manifesto of the Federation of Artists

The artists of Paris outlined a revolutionary new approach to art, based on the core idea that art should be at the heart of society and accessible to everyone.