A "Communard" refers to a member of the Paris Commune, a revolutionary government that briefly ruled Paris from March to May 1871. This movement emerged in response to the harsh conditions following the Franco-Prussian War and aimed to establish a socialist society based on democratic principles. The Communards sought to implement reforms such as universal suffrage, separation of church and state, and workers' rights. The Paris Commune was ultimately suppressed by the French government during a violent conflict known as the Bloody Week in May 1871. Despite its short duration, the Commune left a lasting impact on socialist movements and inspired future revolutions, influencing figures like Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin.