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The Diary and Letters of America's Minister to France During the Siege and Fall of Paris, 1870-1871

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The Diary and Letters of America's Minister to France During the Siege and Fall of Paris, 1870-1871 is a historical account of the Franco-Prussian War from the perspective of Elihu B. Washburne, the American minister to France. The book provides a firsthand account of the siege of Paris and the fall of the Second French Empire. Washburne's diary and letters offer a unique perspective on the political and military events of the war, as well as the social and economic conditions in Paris during the siege.

Elihu Washburne: The Diary and Letters of America's Minister to France During the Siege and Commune of Paris

by Michael Hill

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16507 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	290 pages

The book is divided into three parts. The first part covers the period from July to September 1870, when the Prussian army invaded France and besieged Paris. The second part covers the period from September 1870 to January 1871, when the siege of Paris continued and the French government collapsed. The third part covers the period from January to March 1871, when the Paris Commune was established and the Prussian army entered Paris.

Washburne's diary and letters provide a vivid account of the events of the Franco-Prussian War. He describes the Prussian invasion, the siege of Paris, and the fall of the Second French Empire. He also provides insights into the political and military decisions that were made during the war. Washburne's writing is clear and concise, and he provides a wealth of detail about the events that he witnessed.

The Diary and Letters of America's Minister to France During the Siege and Fall of Paris, 1870-1871 is an important historical resource for anyone interested in the Franco-Prussian War and the history of France. Washburne's firsthand account of the siege of Paris and the fall of the Second French Empire provides a unique perspective on these events. The book is a valuable addition to the historical literature on the Franco-Prussian War.

Elihu B. Washburne

Elihu B. Washburne was born in Livermore, Maine, in 1816. He graduated from Harvard University in 1838 and practiced law in Galena, Illinois. In 1848, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served for six terms. In 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Washburne as the American minister to France. Washburne served in this position until 1877.

Washburne was a close friend and confidant of President Grant. He was also a close observer of the Franco-Prussian War. His diary and letters provide a valuable firsthand account of the war from the perspective of an American diplomat.

The Franco-Prussian War

The Franco-Prussian War was a conflict between France and Prussia that lasted from July 1870 to May 1871. The war was caused by a dispute over the succession to the Spanish throne. France declared war on Prussia on July 19, 1870. The Prussian army quickly defeated the French army and besieged Paris on September 19, 1870. The siege of Paris lasted for four months, during which time the city was bombarded by Prussian artillery. The French government collapsed in January 1871, and the Paris Commune was established.

The Prussian army entered Paris in March 1871 and crushed the Paris Commune. The Franco-Prussian War ended with the Treaty of Frankfurt, which was signed on May 10, 1871. The treaty gave Alsace and Lorraine to Germany and imposed a large indemnity on France.

The Siege of Paris

The siege of Paris was a major turning point in the Franco-Prussian War. The Prussian army besieged Paris on September 19, 1870, and the siege lasted for four months. During the siege, the Prussian army bombarded Paris with artillery, and the city was cut off from food and supplies. The French government collapsed in January 1871, and the Paris Commune was established.

The siege of Paris caused great hardship for the people of Paris. Food and supplies were scarce, and many people died from starvation and disease. The Prussian bombardment of the city also caused widespread destruction.

The Paris Commune

The Paris Commune was a short-lived revolutionary government that was established in Paris in March 1871. The Commune was composed of a coalition of socialists, anarchists, and other radicals. The Commune's goal was to create a new social order based on equality and justice.

The Paris Commune was opposed by the French government and the Prussian army. The Prussian army entered Paris in March 1871 and crushed the Commune. The Commune's leaders were executed, and many of its members were imprisoned.

Paris Under Siege During The Franco Prussian War Elihu Washburne: The Diary And Letters Of America S Minister To France During The Siege And Commune Of Paris