Le Petit Journal - Supplement Illustre (19th Dec 1897)
Object numberM2013/013:005
TitleLe Petit Journal - Supplement Illustre (19th Dec 1897)
DescriptionThis is the December 19th edition of the 1897 Le Petit Journal illustrated supplement- Supplement Illustre. The title reads, 'Le general de Pellieux et le commandant Esterhazy' - translated to 'The General Pellieux and Esterhazy'. Pellieux, on the left of the illustration in military uniform is handing a document to stern looking Esterhazy. Pellieux, temporarily in charge of military operations in Paris in 1897, was a co-conspirator in the suppression of facts and evidence relating to the innocence of Alfred Dreyfus. Major Walsin Esterhazy is the true author of the 'Bordereau', the primary piece of evidence used to convict Dreyfus of Treason. Despite compelling evidence against him, Esterhazy avoided conviction and was court martialled, but eventually admitted his guilt, attributing his actions to the orders of superiors.
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.
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.
Production placeFrance
Production date 1897-12-19
Subjectantisemitism, mass media, Zionism, pre World War I
Object namenewspapers
Materialpaper
Production reasonmedia
Dimensions
- height: 450.00 mm
width: 313.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Judge Judith Gibson