France, the cradle of revolution and land of human rights, has long welcomed foreign revolutionaries, and its industrial development has attracted large numbers of foreign workers.

After the proclamation of the Republic on 4 September 1870, they took part in the fight against the Prussian invaders. After 18 March, many fought in the ranks of the Communards. The most numerous were the Belgians, who formed a special legion, followed by the Italians (Garibaldi's "Red Shirts", who had fought against the Germans in Burgundy during the winter of 1870-1871). In return, during its existence and after its defeat, the Commune was surrounded by the active solidarity of the international workers' movement.

Unusually in history, several foreigners occupied leading positions. By putting two Polish officers, Dombrowski and Wroblewski, at the head of its armies, and the Hungarian Léo Fränkel in charge of organising labour, and by making a Russian woman, E. Dmitrieff, who was very active in the Women's Union, a citizen of the City of Paris, the Commune affirmed its internationalism.

The Commune intended to give the title of citizen to the foreigners who served it; it rejected the xenophobes who demanded their expulsion.

The Commune declared: "Considering that the flag of the Commune is that of the Universal Republic, every city has the right to give the title of citizen to the foreigners who serve it...".