The Paris Commune of 1871 was established on March 26, 1871, following elections held by the Central Committee of the National Guard [fr].

The Commune saw the formation of an assembly representing all republican factions of the era, though the more moderate members soon left, leaving control to the more radical elements who drew upon Jacobinism, Blanquism, socialism, and anarchism.

After the events of March 18 and the withdrawal of legal authorities to Versailles, the Central Committee of the National Guard assumed control in the capital.

[2] Surprised by their easy victory and reluctant to take on the political responsibilities of the situation, the Central Committee quickly decided to organize new municipal elections, initially scheduled for March 22.

On March 28, during a large public demonstration at the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, the Central Committee of the National Guard handed over the powers it had held for the past ten days to the newly elected officials.