Louise Michel battalions facts for kids
The Louise Michel Battalion was the name given to two different groups of French-speaking volunteers. These brave people came from France and Belgium to join the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War. They were named after Louise Michel, a famous French woman known as the "Red Virgin of Montmartre." She was a heroine from the Paris Commune of 1871.
Both battalions were formed in late 1936.
Contents
What Were the International Brigades?
The International Brigades were military units made up of volunteers from many different countries. These volunteers traveled to Spain to fight for the Second Spanish Republic against the Nationalist forces led by Francisco Franco. They believed in fighting against fascism and for democracy.
Who Was Louise Michel?
Louise Michel (1830–1905) was a French teacher and a very important figure in the Paris Commune. The Paris Commune was a short-lived government that took control of Paris in 1871. Louise Michel was known for her strong beliefs and her courage in fighting for social justice. She was a revolutionary and a supporter of the working class.
The Two Battalions
There were two distinct groups known as the Louise Michel Battalion:
The First Battalion
The first group was already formed and operating in Barcelona, Spain. These volunteers were part of a larger group called a "Centuria." A Centuria was a small military unit, often made up of volunteers with shared ideas. This first Louise Michel Battalion was later joined with other groups to form part of the XI International Brigade.
The Second Battalion
The second Louise Michel Battalion was created in a place called Albacete, Spain. This city was a main training and organization center for the International Brigades. This battalion was also made up of French-speaking volunteers. In early 1938, this second group became part of another battalion, the Henri Vuilleman Battalion, which was part of the XIV International Brigade.
See also
- In Spanish: Batallón Louise Michel para niños
