Other towns in the centre and south, notably Lyons, were also on the brink of revolutionary socialism, and the success of the movement in Paris might conceivably have led to a widespread trial of the communal experiment.
The war helped to keep matters in the old lines.
But now, the feelings of rage at the surrender of Paris and the cession of the eastern districts of France, together with hatred of the monarchical assembly that flouted the capital by sitting at the abode of the old Kings of France, served to raise popular passion to fever heat.
The Assembly undoubtedly made many mistakes: it authorised the payment of rents and all other obligations in the capital for the period of siege as if in ordinary times, and it appointed an unpopular man to command the National Guards of Paris.

At the close of February the National Guards formed a Central Committee to look after their interests and those of the capital; and when the Executive of the State sent troops of the line to seize their guns parked on Montmartre, the Nationals and the rabble turned out in force.

The troops refused to act against the National Guards, and these murdered two Generals, Lecomte and Thomas (March 18).

Thiers and his Ministers thereupon rather tamely retired to Versailles, and the capital fell into the hands of the Communists.

Greater firmness at the outset might have averted the horrors that followed.
The Communists speedily consulted the voice of the people by elections conducted in the most democratic spirit.