3-039-078 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Germans in Paris: an object of great curiosity, Champs Elysées, 1871. Franco-Prussian War. 'The quarter of Paris comprising the Champs Elysées and the Place de la Concorde...was occupied by 30,000 German troops...There were several quarrels between the Germans and the Parisians; more than one of the former were hustled and assaulted. Englishmen too, and even French persons, were ill-treated for speaking to the Germans...[our illustration] shows such a disgraceful incident. Some German soldiers asked their way from a young gentleman, who naturally replied with courtesy, and gave the required information. A few blouses were watching, and when the soldiers were at a safe distance they sprang on the unfortunate individual who had been so good-humoured as to answer the German inquiries. He was assailed with blows and knocked down. When he was on the ground a ruffian in a blue blouse deliberately leapt upon his body and trampled on him. It was a miracle that the poor fellow escaped with his life'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.