The balloon post during the siege of Paris, 1870–71

Abstract

This article investigates the development of balloon and pigeon-sent microfilm, both for military purposes and as a propaganda technique in besieged Paris in 1870–1871. It examines the aerial press used to communicate with the provinces, to help coordinate the actions of the French army, and to boost civilian morale. It analyses the content and reception of material sent in these ways and its effect on the mood in Paris, the objectives of the authorities and the state of the war effort and shows how early the French military developed techniques of aviation and propaganda for warfare, even though memory of this was lost and had to be re-invented in later wars.