Michel Winock's New Book Examines Paris Commune as French Civil War

Michel Winock's "La Commune. La guerre civile des Français," released by Éditions Gallimard, examines the 1871 Paris Commune as a significant civil conflict. The narrative centers on March 18, 1871, when Parisians revolted against the government's unsuccessful attempt to seize cannons from Montmartre, resulting in soldiers mingling with the populace and the execution of two generals. Winock portrays a traumatized France following its defeat by Prussia and the collapse of the Second Empire. He explores the internal strife within the Commune and details the violent "Semaine sanglante" in May 1871, when Versailles forces reclaimed Paris. The book highlights women's contributions, notably Louise Michel, and its enduring influence on French political culture. It was highlighted on Pierre-Edouard Deldique's radio show and endorsed by Franz-Olivier Giesbert in Le Point.