Le Petit Journal - Supplement Illustre (2nd Jan 1898)
Object numberM2013/013:006
TitleLe Petit Journal - Supplement Illustre (2nd Jan 1898)
DescriptionThis is the January 2nd edition of the 1898 Le Petit Journal illustrated supplement- Supplement Illustre. The title reads, 'Affaire Dreyfus (Parquet du Conseil de guerre)' - translating to, Dreyfus Affair (Parquet Council of War). The cover page is an artists’ depiction of the Parquet Council of War, which consists of three French officers; M. Le De Bataillon Hervieu, Commissaire du Governement and M. Le Chef De Bataillon Ravary, The council acquitted Major Esterhazy of treason, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. This miscarriage of justice inspired Emile Zole to pen his famous letter to the French President 'J'accuse', accusing the military and government of wrongly accusing Alfred Dreyfus and then covering up their misconduct.
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 1898-01-02
Subjectantisemitism, Zionism, mass media, 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