The Siege of Paris 1870-71

 

Few events in history encapsulate the resilience and resourcefulness of a city under siege as vividly as the Siege of Paris in the late 1800s. Lasting from September 1870 to January 1871 during the Franco-Prussian War, this harrowing period tested the mettle of Parisians as they grappled with food shortages, endured bombardments, and devised ingenious methods to survive. This article delves into the circumstances leading to the siege, the challenges faced by the inhabitants of Paris, and the remarkable strategies they employed to persevere through adversity.

Background: 

The Franco-Prussian War, which began in July 1870, was a conflict between the Second French Empire, led by Emperor Napoleon III, and the Kingdom of Prussia, along with its North German allies. The war erupted primarily over the issue of the Spanish succession and escalated into a broader conflict between France and the German states.

As the war unfolded, French forces suffered a series of setbacks, culminating in the decisive defeat of the French army at the Battle of Sedan on September 1, 1870. Napoleon III was captured, and the French government collapsed. In the wake of this defeat, Paris found itself besieged by Prussian forces, encircled and cut off from the outside world.

The Siege:

The Prussian encirclement of Paris quickly led to a dire humanitarian crisis within the city. Food supplies dwindled rapidly as the siege dragged on, exacerbated by the disruption of transportation networks and the depletion of reserves. The Prussian forces, seeking to compel surrender through starvation, tightened their grip on the city, subjecting it to sporadic bombardments and skirmishes.

Despite the grim circumstances, the residents of Paris displayed remarkable resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity. To cope with the scarcity of food, they turned to inventive means of sustenance, improvising recipes with whatever meager ingredients were available. Rations were severely limited, and staples such as bread became increasingly scarce. The city's inhabitants resorted to consuming unconventional sources of sustenance, including rats, cats, dogs, and even zoo animals.

One of the most enduring symbols of Parisian ingenuity during the siege was the creation of "sieur Lefaucheux's sausages." These sausages, made from a mixture of horse meat, donkey, and mule, provided a semblance of sustenance amidst the scarcity. Similarly, makeshift bakeries sprang up throughout the city, producing bread from alternative grains such as barley and acorns.

Rats as food:

Interestingly, amidst the desperation of the siege, the consumption of rats emerged as a surprising culinary phenomenon in Paris. Contrary to expectations, it was the affluent members of society who indulged in this unorthodox fare more than the impoverished. The reasoning behind this peculiar trend lay in the necessity to mask the inherent flavor of rat meat, which required an array of elaborate sauces and seasonings. These condiments, often luxuries in their own right, were more readily available to the wealthy, allowing them to concoct dishes that disguised the taste of rodent flesh. In contrast, the poor, lacking the means to procure such culinary embellishments, consumed less of it. 

Hot air balloons

Hot air balloons emerged as a crucial lifeline for communication and resupply during the siege. Despite the Prussian blockade, the French government in Paris managed to maintain contact with the outside world through a series of daring balloon flights. Balloons were used to carry mail, dispatches, and even passengers in and out of the besieged city, evading Prussian interception attempts.

The most famous of these balloon flights was undertaken by the aeronaut Jules Duruof, who piloted the "Ville d'Orléans" balloon out of Paris on September 23, 1870, carrying essential correspondence and dispatches. Despite facing perilous conditions and Prussian gunfire, Duruof successfully delivered his cargo to the intended destination, ensuring vital communication between Paris and the French government.

Messages from Paris were often transmitted through clandestine means, such as carrier pigeons or individuals evading Prussian patrols. These methods allowed Parisians to maintain contact with the outside world, albeit at great risk. 

In addition to enduring food shortages and bombardments, the inhabitants of Paris also contended with the harsh winter conditions, further exacerbating their plight. Fuel became scarce, and residents resorted to burning furniture, books, and other combustible materials to keep warm.

Despite the immense hardships endured during the siege, the spirit of resistance remained undiminished among Parisians. Civilians contributed to the defense effort by participating in the construction of barricades, providing medical assistance, and supporting the morale of the city's defenders.

Victor Hugo

An article on this period without a mention of Victor Hugo, the acclaimed French author and poet, would be unfair. Victor Hugo played a significant role during and after the Siege of Paris in the late 1800s. Born on February 26, 1802, Hugo was a towering figure in French literature, known for his profound insights into human nature, social justice, and political activism. His literary works, including "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame," have left an indelible mark on world literature, earning him widespread acclaim and recognition.

Victor Hugo

During the Siege of Paris, Victor Hugo's unwavering patriotism and commitment to the defense of his beloved city were evident. Despite his advancing age, Hugo actively participated in the city's defense efforts, rallying fellow Parisians to resist the Prussian encroachment and bolstering morale through his impassioned speeches and writings. His iconic words, "To die is nothing; but it is terrible not to live," served as a rallying cry for the besieged inhabitants of Paris, inspiring them to persevere in the face of adversity.

In the aftermath of the siege, Victor Hugo continued to wield his literary influence in shaping the narrative of resilience and defiance that emerged from the ordeal. His writings, including his epic poem "L'Année terrible" ("The Terrible Year"), served as a testament to the courage and fortitude displayed by Parisians during their darkest hour. Additionally, Hugo's advocacy for reconciliation and national unity in the post-war period contributed to the healing process and the rebuilding of French society in the aftermath of the devastating conflict. Victor Hugo's enduring legacy as a literary giant and a champion of liberty and human dignity endures to this day, serving as an inspiration to future generations.

The Siege of Paris finally came to an end on January 28, 1871, following the signing of an armistice between France and Prussia. The terms of the armistice were harsh, with France forced to cede territory and pay reparations to the victorious Prussian forces. However, the resilience and determination exhibited by the inhabitants of Paris during the siege left an indelible mark on the city's history, symbolizing the enduring spirit of defiance in the face of adversity.