jan 1, 1894 - 1894: Dreyfus Affair

Description:

Alfred Dreyfus, French Jewish military officer, was the target of anti-Jewish prejudice and unjustly convicted of treason. This trial played into lies that portrayed Jews as scheming outsiders.

Theodor Herzl agreed with the assimilation of Jews in Western Europe. He hoped Europe would become more liberal and allow Jews to assimilate.

Herzl was shocked by the open hatred during the Dreyfus Affair.

Paris was supposed to epitomize progress, modernity and cosmopolitanism. The French Revolution had been founded on the motto, “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.” It was the cradle of civilization. How could such a thing happen in Paris of all places?

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