First period of the Lyon anarchist press
First period of the Lyon anarchist press: a short, simple version
In the early 1880s, Lyon became a center for French anarchist publishing. After La Révolution sociale in Paris, Lyon’s activists started a string of newspapers to spread their ideas. Repression from the authorities was common, and many titles were banned, but new ones quickly appeared. This period, from 1882 to 1884, is known as the first Lyon series of anarchist publications. It helped shape anarchist thought in France and even introduced a female readership to anarchist ideas.
What happened in 1882–1884
- Le Droit social (February–July 1882)
- Lyon’s first important anarchist newspaper, started in 1882 after a France-wide change in press laws.
- It gathered work from major anarchists like Louise Michel and Jean Grave, with involvement from local leaders such as Antoine Cyvoct.
- The paper was tightly watched by Lyon’s police, and many managers and editors were prosecuted.
- Le Droit social was banned in July 1882, paving the way for a new figure in Lyon’s press.
- L'Étendard révolutionnaire (August–October 1882)
- The successor to Le Droit social, starting around July 30, 1882.
- Articles were unsigned; editors were linked to the Le Droit social circle.
- Printing linked to the Black Band and to events around the Montceau-les-Mines troubles.
- The paper helped popularize the black flag as a symbol of anarchism.
- La Lutte (April–August 1883)
- A new Lyon newspaper began about a year after L'Étendard révolutionnaire.
- It printed a number of issues on red paper and promoted “propaganda of the deed.”
- Editors included Jules Boissy, Léon Domergue, Henri Tricot, and Louis Chautant.
- The paper produced 9 issues before being banned.
- Le Drapeau noir (August–December 1883)
- The successor to La Lutte, continuing the same spirit but with its own style.
- Adopted the black flag as its emblem and kept the same motto: “Liberty, Equality, Justice.”
- Produced 17 issues before authorities shut it down in December 1883, and it led to the next title, L'Émeute.
- L'Émeute (December 1883–January 1884)
- Started as a response to previous bans, with seven issues between December 1883 and January 1884.
- Its name signaled a preference for popular, riot-oriented action over strict discipline.
- It aimed for anarchist social revolution and handed space to women readers as part of its agenda.
- The paper was banned after a short run and was followed by Le Défi.
- Le Défi (February 1884)
- The Defiance newspaper that appeared after L'Émeute.
- Editors were J. M. Frenea and G. Robert; it was printed at 28 Rue de la Guillotière.
- It lasted only three issues before being banned.
- L'Hydre anarchiste (February–March 1884)
- A short-lived publication that continued the propaganda-by-the-deed stance.
- Contributors included Antoine Cyvoct and Georges Garraud (known as Valadier).
- The paper’s second issue was largely about Cyvoct’s trial; it lasted six issues in total.
- L’Alarme (April–June 1884)
- Replacing L’Hydre anarchiste, L’Alarme was unsigned but had Clovis Demure as editorial secretary.
- Printed at 26 Rue Vauban and released a purple-paper issue.
- It was banned on June 1, 1884, and was followed by Le Droit anarchique.
- Le Droit anarchique (June 1884)
- Emerged soon after Le Défi and L’Alarme were banned.
- Articles were mostly unsigned; Vincent Berthout is thought to have contributed, with managers G. Fronteau and Isidore Mounier.
- Printed at 70 cours de la Liberté; lasted three issues.
- The banning of Le Droit anarchique marked the end of the first Lyon period of anarchist publishing.
Legacy
- The Lyon press period showed how quickly anarchist ideas spread in France, especially in Lyon and surrounding areas.
- It helped transform the black flag from a local symbol into a broader anarchist emblem.
- The period also saw the emergence of a female anarchist readership, with women writing and contributing to these papers.
- Although many titles were banned, the sequence of publications kept the movement alive and laid groundwork for later anarchist journalism in France.
In short, between 1882 and 1884 Lyon published a rapid succession of anarchist newspapers, many of which were banned shortly after their start. Each title contributed to the growth of anarchist thought and helped establish Lyon as a key center for the movement in France.
This page was last edited on 29 January 2026, at 07:55 (CET).