Paris Commune: women giving birth to a new world

Abstract

In this article the author examines the participationof women in the Paris Commune. Who werethey? What role was played by the anarquistrevolutionary Luise Michel? What was theparticipation of the socialist Elizabeth Dimitrieff,sent by the International Workers’ Association?What was the significance of the Commune forwomen’s struggles for their rights? Beyond makingfemininst demands, the women of the Communeset up barricades against the bourgeoisie,demonstrating the class character of theirstruggles.