Le Petit Journal - Supplement Ilustre (20th Jan 1895)
Object numberM2013/013:003
TitleLe Petit Journal - Supplement Ilustre (20th Jan 1895)
DescriptionThis is the January 20th edition of the 1895 Le Petit Journal illustrated supplement- Supplement Illustre. The cover page is an artists’ depiction of Jewish officer Alfred Dreyfus, in his prison cell following his conviction for treason. Events surrounding this incident are largely referred to as the Dreyfus Affair; the public vilification, humiliation and eventual exoneration of a high ranking officer, accused of leaking French military secrets to Germany.
The affair, eventuating in the court martial and imprisonment of Dreyfus, had a polarising affect on French society and its internal institutions. Anti-Semitic sentiment intensified, particularly from the political right who were intent on discrediting the republic. The clandestine nature of the trial and the circumstantial nature of the evidence were challenged by Dreyfus supporters. Despite these observable injustices however, the affair became a platform for anti-Semitic campaigners. Whilst new evidence was uncovered not long after his incarceration, Alfred Dreyfus was denied an official acquittal until 1906.
The impact of the Dreyfus Affair on both French and European Jewry was considerable. The period became impetus for consideration of Jewish nationalism and fuelled debate regarding the nature of assimilation. Witnessing the anti-Semitic protests first-hand whilst in Paris is cited as a profund influence in the progression of Theodor Herzl's Zionist mandate.
The affair, eventuating in the court martial and imprisonment of Dreyfus, had a polarising affect on French society and its internal institutions. Anti-Semitic sentiment intensified, particularly from the political right who were intent on discrediting the republic. The clandestine nature of the trial and the circumstantial nature of the evidence were challenged by Dreyfus supporters. Despite these observable injustices however, the affair became a platform for anti-Semitic campaigners. Whilst new evidence was uncovered not long after his incarceration, Alfred Dreyfus was denied an official acquittal until 1906.
The impact of the Dreyfus Affair on both French and European Jewry was considerable. The period became impetus for consideration of Jewish nationalism and fuelled debate regarding the nature of assimilation. Witnessing the anti-Semitic protests first-hand whilst in Paris is cited as a profund influence in the progression of Theodor Herzl's Zionist mandate.
Production placeFrance
Production date 1895-01-20
Subjectantisemitism, Zionism, mass media, pre World War I
Object namenewspapers
Materialpaper
Production reasonmedia
Dimensions
- length: 450.00 mm
width: 313.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Judge Judith Gibson