Country France Department Nord Time zone CET (UTC+1) Area 22.98 km² Local time Wednesday 6:48 PM | Region Hauts-de-France Canton Trélon Elevation 202 m Population 12,581 (2013) Arrondissement Avesnes-sur-Helpe | |
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Intercommunality Action Fourmies et environs Weather 12°C, Wind N at 6 km/h, 71% Humidity | ||
Fourmies is a commune in the Nord department in northern France. The inhabitants are called Fourmisiens.
Contents
Map of 59610 Fourmies, France
Geography
Fourmies is situated in the Euroregion of Thiérache, a region of Northern France and Southern Belgium. It is 50 km (31 mi) from Valenciennes, 100 km (62 mi) from Lille, and 175 km (109 mi) from Paris. The city is surrounded by forests and ponds.
History
On May 1, 1891, the Fusillade de Fourmies occurred. It was the first French and international celebration of International Workers' Day on May Day. In Fourmies, troops shot at peaceful strikers: nine died, including 8 demonstrators under 21 years old, among whom, a young worker who will remain a symbol, Marie Blondeau. Thirty-five strikers were also wounded.
The shooting of the 1st of May in Fourmies evoked strong emotions throughout France. It is regarded today as one of the founding events of the French Section of the Workers' International. Jean Jaurès visited Fourmies afterwards to make a speech there while George Clemenceau declared in front of the French Parliament that "it is the Fourth state which rose".