The Destroyed Ministry of Finance on Rue Rivoli and Ruined Buildings on Place de la Bastille, anonymous, 1871

albumen print, h 193mm × w 253mm More details

After the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, Paris was reduced to rubble and still occupied by Prussian soldiers. The population contended with famine and misery. Everything had come to a standstill and poverty was widespread. The ‘peace’ of the new French government and the imposed taxes felt like a betrayal. The Communards revolted against their own government and torched the town hall, palaces, and government buildings.