The Paris Commune emerged in the wake of France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, which had left Paris under siege and culminated in the disastrous Treaty of Frankfurt. The Commune was established on March 18, 1871, as Parisians took control amidst political unrest and national humiliation, driven by strong revolutionary sentiments. The Commune implemented a series of radical reforms aimed at social justice, including the separation of church and state, the establishment of worker cooperatives, and the promotion of women's rights. However, it was met with fierce opposition from the French government, which retreated to Versailles and began organizing a counteroffensive.

As tensions escalated, the Versailles government initiated a military campaign to suppress the Commune, leading to the bloody events of what became known as 'La Semaine Sanglante' or 'The Bloody Week.' From May 21 to May 28, 1871, the government troops clashed with the Communards in a violent confrontation that would seal the Commune's fate. The struggles saw substantial casualties on both sides, but ultimately, the superior firepower and organization of the Versailles forces proved overwhelming. By May 28, the Commune officially fell, resulting in a significant loss of life and the brutal repression of Communist sympathizers.

The aftermath saw widespread arrests, executions, and a crackdown on revolutionary sentiments in Paris and beyond. Buildings, including the iconic Vendôme Column, were destroyed, and the city was left in ruin, serving as a sobering reminder of the conflict between revolutionary ideals and state power. This event marked a critical point in the struggle of the working class in France, influencing socialist movements for decades to come and resulting in deep psychological and social scars in the Parisian populace.