How did pet dogs, street rats, and the zoo’s elephants make their way onto the menu of Parisian fine dining restaurants? Why did Paris feel so slighted by the national government when they surrendered to the Germans? How did defiant Parisian children and housewives defy the national guard and spark a revolution that would lead to the Paris Commune?

David Olusoga and Sarah Churchwell relive the Siege of Paris and the fight for Parisian independence. 

Social Producer: Emma Jackson, Harry Balden

Producer: Alice Horrell

Head of History: Dom Johnson

Exec Producer: Tony Pastor

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