Ok. Let's assume that the Paris Commune of 1871 survives. The Communards maintain control of the city (possibly by the help of similar revolts in Orleans, Lyons, or Marseilles) long enough to begin expansion and eventual control of most, if not all, of France. By the turn of the century, how does this affect Europe and the world?
Obviously, France is a major center and would probably undergo more international political strife than the RSFSR did between 1917 and 1921. Germany would undoubtedly try to use the ensuing civil war in France (let's say fighting last until about 1880 or even 1890, depending on what happens) to gain territory and expand while Britain goes about and gobbles up the French colonies. By the time the Communard government is firmly entrenched in Paris, a whole new order would have to be established. Probably France would be in a constant state of war with her neighbors, or even industrial violence in Britain, Ireland, Germany, and Spain would lead to similar revolts abroad that would act as a buffer against France's enemies. In any event, the major change would be the center of the Communist International. Obviously, Lenin and the Bolsheviks in Russia would never be able to claim a seat of power so long as Paris stood with the red flag. Even if this more successful commune collapses by 1917, without linking the Bolshevik party in some way to the policies of the Communards, the Bolsheviks would have little to no success.
How else might this play out?
Obviously, France is a major center and would probably undergo more international political strife than the RSFSR did between 1917 and 1921. Germany would undoubtedly try to use the ensuing civil war in France (let's say fighting last until about 1880 or even 1890, depending on what happens) to gain territory and expand while Britain goes about and gobbles up the French colonies. By the time the Communard government is firmly entrenched in Paris, a whole new order would have to be established. Probably France would be in a constant state of war with her neighbors, or even industrial violence in Britain, Ireland, Germany, and Spain would lead to similar revolts abroad that would act as a buffer against France's enemies. In any event, the major change would be the center of the Communist International. Obviously, Lenin and the Bolsheviks in Russia would never be able to claim a seat of power so long as Paris stood with the red flag. Even if this more successful commune collapses by 1917, without linking the Bolshevik party in some way to the policies of the Communards, the Bolsheviks would have little to no success.
How else might this play out?