An Exercise in Terror: The Paris Commune, 1871 There is nothing new in the practice of terrorism through hostage taking. Gregor Dallas traces its roots to the events in Paris during the Spring of 1871 when the city was riven by civil strife. Gregor Dallas | Published in History Today Volume 39 Issue 2 February 1989 To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5. Start my trial subscription now If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems. FrancePoliticalSocial Related Articles The Paris Commune Popular articles Why Do Religions Decline? The Iron Amir: Britain’s Afghan Legacy