As the Franco-Prussian War raged on in the spring of 1871, the people of Paris saw their city become the center of the conflict. In April, the Paris Commune, the revolutionary government that had been formed earlier that year, took steps to protect their city. They constructed a barricade around the city, blocking off all roads leading in and out. This barricade was made of anything they could find, including furniture and other items taken from nearby houses.

The barricade was a symbol of the determination of the Paris Commune to protect the city from the outside forces that threatened it. It also demonstrated their willingness to use unconventional tactics in order to achieve their goals. Unfortunately, the barricade was not enough to keep the Prussian army from entering the city, and the Paris Commune was eventually crushed.

Today, the barricade is remembered as a symbol of the courage and determination of the people of Paris in the face of adversity.