International solidarity of the bourgeoisie

In early 1871, after France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War and the signing of a preliminary peace treaty with Germany in February, the National Guard and workers of Paris staged an uprising in response to the authorities' attempt to shift the burden of defeat onto the people. This led to the establishment of the revolutionary government of Paris—the Paris Commune.

Adolphe Thiers, head of the provisional government of France, turned to Otto von Bismarck for help, as France itself did not have enough forces to suppress the Commune. Bismarck agreed to increase French troops to 130,000 men. On his recommendation, Germany even released about 100,000 prisoners of war to replenish the French government troops. In addition, government troops were to pass unhindered through the still existing siege ring of German armies surrounding Paris and be able to enter the city unhindered.

Bismarck feared the spread of revolution and was interested in France remaining a stable neighboring state.

The outcome is well known. The Paris Commune was defeated, and the bourgeoisie showed that it was ready to make deals with yesterday's enemies. All in the name of protecting its class.