L'Illustration Journal Universel (2nd Aug 1894)
Object numberM2013/013:024
TitleL'Illustration Journal Universel (2nd Aug 1894)
DescriptionThis is the August 2nd edition of the 1884 L’Illustration Journal Universel. The Front page illustration shows a scene of chaos, depicting a mob attack on a Jewish home near Nizhny Novgorod. The title and accompanying article on page 71 refer to the actions in Russia as anti-Semitic, conveying a sympathetic response to Jewish citizens.
Ten years on from the incident represented here, French society would face their own internal plight, and the recognition of anti-Semitism at play on home soil. 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
Ten years on from the incident represented here, French society would face their own internal plight, and the recognition of anti-Semitism at play on home soil. 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 1884-08-02
Subjectantisemitism, pre World War I, mass media, violence
Object namenewspapers
Materialpaper
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Judge Judith Gibson