The short-lived revolutionary regime of the Paris Commune (March – May 1871) ended in a bloodbath, leaving approximately 20.000 Parisians dead and turning large parts of the capital into smoking ruins. Although its 72-day history constituted nothing but a smashing defeat, socialists from France and elsewhere would soon adopt the Commune’s historical legacy as their own.
The Commune became a central feature in the international socialist mythology, a symbol of sacrifice, personal courage and revolutionary zeal. Tales of the communards bravery in the face of certain defeat and gruesome stories about the conduct of their victors became an integrated part of the international socialist discourse. That such a sinister ‘Cult of the dead’ laid the foundations for a distinct political culture would have serious consequences for the future conduct of some socialists.
Admission requirements
Entry exam.
Language of instruction
English and Dutch.
Time Table
Semester II, see timetables
ers.jsp.
Method of Instruction
Research seminar; attendance is compulsory (see the rules and regulations of the Department of
History, art. 2).
Course objectives
Developing insight into new cultural approaches to political history
Doing independent research, formulating questions and working with primary sources at the International Institute of Social History in Amsterdam.
Required reading
To be announced
Examination
Entry test, oral presentation, final paper.
Information
With the tutor: Dr. D. Bos
Remarks
Reading proficiency in Dutch, preferably in German also.
Enrolment
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