Bloody Week

French history

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June 22, 2026

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Bloody Week, or la semaine sanglante, refers to the violent suppression of the Paris Commune by the French government from May 21 to May 28, 1871. This insurrection occurred after France's defeat in the Franco-German War and the collapse of Napoleon III's Second Empire.1

The National Assembly, elected to negotiate peace with Germany, was largely royalist, alarming republican Parisians who feared a monarchy's restoration. An attempt by the government to disarm the National Guard on March 18 sparked resistance, leading to the formation of the Commune government.1

During Bloody Week, government troops entered Paris and brutally crushed the Communards' resistance. The Communards set fire to public buildings, and an estimated 20,000 insurgents were killed, along with about 750 government troops. In the aftermath, thousands were arrested and deported.1

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France
The Commune of Paris
In the course of “Bloody Week” (May 21–28), the Communards resisted, street by street, but were pushed back steadily to the heart of Paris. In their desperation, they executed a number of hostages (including the archbishop of Paris) and in the last days set fire to many public buildings,…
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In the course of “Bloody Week” (May 21–28), the Communards resisted, street by street, but were pushed back steadily to the heart of Paris. In their desperation, they executed a number of hostages (including the archbishop of Paris) and in the last days set fire to many public buildings,…
Read More