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Anti-Semitism in Medieval Europe

Anti-Semitism in Medieval Europe. Legal Status. Largest non-Christian minority in Europe One step above heretics Received protection from kings Church or “Canon” law forbade forced conversion

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Anti-Semitism in Medieval Europe

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  1. Anti-Semitism in Medieval Europe

  2. Legal Status • Largest non-Christian minority in Europe • One step above heretics • Received protection from kings • Church or “Canon” law forbade forced conversion • In Mediterranean Europe (especially Italy) Jews tended to live in walled-in “Jewish Quarter” – Often did so by choice

  3. Treatment of Jews 1000-1300 Increased Persecution • Expulsions (England 1290-1655) • Forced wearing of badges • Pogroms • Strangely, this occurred during a period of increasing prosperity and wealth.

  4. Royal Expulsions – Why? • Quick cash fix – take control of loans, property • However, often damaged economy. Jews encouraged trade, could be taxed without limit. • Expulsions often reversed • Sometimes later re-imposed.

  5. Badges and Garments • 1215 Pope Innocent III mandates practice • Jews not alone: Heretics, Lepers, Prostitutes • Varied by kingdom: sometimes cloth badge of red or yellow. Or conical hat with cape. • Made them visible targets for attack • Rulers often sold exceptions

  6. Costumes worn by Jews in Medieval France

  7. Pogroms • Begin in 11th Century with 1st Crusade. • Common by 13th Century • 14th Century Plague triggers most deadly attacks 1819 “Hep-Hep” Pogrom in Frankfurt

  8. Triggers for Anti-Semitic Violence • Accusations of Blood-Libel (kidnapping and crucifying Christian children) • Sickness  Accusations of poisoning the wells • Easter Week especially dangerous

  9. Prosperity and Violence: Why? • Rise of Crusading Movement : War against unbelievers • Jewish involvement in money-lending -- Laws against Usury for Christians -- Secular leaders tolerated Jewish lenders

  10. Prosperity and Violence: Why? • Importance of religious certainty in face of risk -- Jews = reminders that Christian faith might be “wrong” • Moral suspicion of new urban lifestyle -- Christian merchants felt guilt -- Jews personify vices of industry, thrift, trade, commerce -- Attacking Jews allowed Christian merchants to “take a stand” Illumination from 1023 equating Jews with heretics as being unable to hear God’s word

  11. Merchant of Venice: Important Themes from Historical View • The importance of lending, borrowing, capital, and credit on the eve of Europe’s ascendance • Similarly the importance of law and contracts • Construction of majority identities in relation to the Other

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