The Radicalization of Louise Michel

Abstract

Louise Michel is without argument one of the most important and influential French political figures of the second half of the nineteenth century and certainly among the most powerful women of her day. Whether writing from a prison cell or speaking from a public podium, she inspired thousands of people in France and all over Europe to take up the cause of social justice for the poor and the working class. Government officials feared the power of Michel so much that, even after she had served her various prison sentences, the police continually hounded, harassed, and rearrested her. When she died in 1905, thousands mourned her, and memorial services were held all over France as well as in London. While her extensive writings were well known during her lifetime, today, few people are familiar with her works even though her memory is enshrined in many places throughout France in the names of streets, schools, and parks.¹