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A device used to float messages down the Seine and out of the city. Date: 1870 / 1
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A device used to float messages down the Seine and out of the city. Date: 1870 / 1
A device used to float messages down the Seine and out of the city. Date: 1870/1
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Media ID 20952243
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Device Float Franco Messages Prussian Seine Siege
EDITORS COMMENTS
Amidst the tumultuous events of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, the serene waters of the Seine River in Paris were disrupted by an unusual sight. In this photograph from 1870, taken during the siege of the city, we see a device designed to float messages down the river and out of Paris. During the siege, communication between Paris and the outside world was severely disrupted. The city was surrounded by the Prussian army, and the only means of contact were through the besieged citizens who managed to escape or through the messages sent via the Seine. The device in the photograph is a simple yet ingenious solution to the communication crisis. It consists of a wooden box with a small flag attached to it, and a string or rope to attach it to a boat or a large piece of debris floating on the river. The message would be written on a piece of paper and placed inside the box, which would then be released into the river, allowing it to be carried downstream and delivered to the intended recipient. The photograph captures the essence of the resilience and resourcefulness of the Parisians during the siege. Despite the dire circumstances, they found ways to communicate with each other and with the outside world, keeping hope alive in the face of adversity. The Seine River, once a symbol of Parisian life and beauty, became a vital lifeline for the city during the siege, carrying messages of love, hope, and survival. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the power of human ingenuity and the importance of communication during times of crisis. It also serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Parisians, who managed to keep their city connected to the world, even in the darkest of times.
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