214 HISTORY OF FRANCE. [chap. great hall of Lewis XIV., he received the title of German Empe7-or from the princes and cities of Germany. Mean- while in Paris the blockade had long been close ; all provisions were failing, though horse-flesh, dogs, cats, and rats were eaten, and all communication with the outer world was only by means of carrier-pigeons and balloons, for which a regular post was organised. Gambetta actually came out in a balloon to endeavour to raise the spirit of the country, but though there seemed to be power of endu- rance, tiiere was little courage for fighting. Whenever there was an attempt at a sally against the enemy, the National Guard shewed that it could not be depended on, and the officers were only exposed to wounds and death by their bravery; and all the time the moderate party and red republicans were full of mutual hatred and distrust, fully expecting treason from one another. The German shells vvere destroying house after house : the cellars were the only safe places, and, as winter set in, want of fuel made the misery almost unbearable. Surrender had become necessary ; but it was difficult to say what was the government to make the terms. In December the provisional government had moved to Bourdeaux, where a newly-chosen assembly was sitting, when M. Thiers was now made head of the executive, and on February 26th a treaty was agreed on, which on the 28th was con- firmed by the assembly. Nearly all Elsass was restored to Germany, with the German-speaking part of Lorraine, and the fortress of Metz as a military post for its defence. But Toul, Verdun, and Nancy were left to France. France had gradually to pay ;^20o,ooo,ooo of our money, and the German army was gradually to leave France as each instalment was paid. Part of Paris was to be occu- pied by German troops, but the emperor did not himself make a public entry. When this treaty was confirmed, Louis Napoleon Buonaparte was again more solemnly deposed, as the person answerable for the loss. He was presently set free, and came to England, where he spent the rest of his days. 15. The Commune, 1 87 1. — The Red Republicans were filled with rage at the terms of the treaty, declaring that they were betrayed, that their generals had sold them to the enemy, and that they would not give up their arms. They closed the gates, barricaded the streets, armed every one, and prepared for another siege, while M. Thiers and the government were obliged to wait at Versailles till
