The Kennesaw State University Department of Museums, Archives and Rare Books (MARB) presents exhibitions, public programs, collections, and educational services supporting KSU’s mission and encouraging dialogue about the past and its significance today. The Museum of History and Holocaust Education, as a unit of MARB, has developed a series of online modules, including this one, for university students to explore pivotal moments from the history of World War II and the Holocaust.
This online unit explores the roots of antisemitism and traces its evolution throughout Europe's history. Understanding the past can help us understand why antisemitic discrimination still occurs today. Throughout this unit you will find online resources and activities that delve into the different sides of antisemitism and provide opportunities for additional research.
Title Image: Nazi anti-Jewish propaganda poster falsely depicting Jews as part of a conspiracy to start war, ca. 1942. Courtesy United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM)
Essential Questions
Using the primary source material and content in this online unit, respond to the four essential questions found below. In your responses, include evidence from the content in this online unit. Please refer to the directions provided by your instructor on submitting your responses to these essential questions as well as to the questions posed throughout this unit.
- What are the origins of antisemitism in Europe?
- How did antisemitism evolve over time and lead to the Holocaust?
- What are the themes of antisemitism across multiple centuries?
- How is antisemitism exhibited today?
Image: Cover of "The Eternal Jew," 1937. Courtesy Calvin University German Propaganda Archive
To begin the unit, watch the following video from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and answer the following questions:
- What connection does the early rise of Christianity have to antisemitism?
- How were the Jews portrayed during the Middle Ages?
- What various crimes and conspiracies were the Jews accused of in the 1800s and early 1900s?
- What was different about antisemitism after World War I?
Medieval Roots
Early Christians blamed the Jewish people for the crucifixion of Jesus. Because of this belief, Medieval Jews faced suspicion and discrimination from the growing Christian majority. Many false rumors spread throughout Europe about Jews. During and after the Middle Ages, Jews were frequently victims of pogroms, violent riots intended to persecute or massacre a particular group. Jews across Europe were oppressed by laws restricting property rights, freedoms, and religious practices. Additionally, because of Christian beliefs and teachings about money, many Jews ran financial institutions. Consequently, these institutions became targets of violence from royalty and nobility who were deeply in debt. This association with money became a long-lasting stereotype.
The image on the left shows Emperor Heinrich VII of the Holy Roman Empire after his coronation in the 14th century, presenting a document that outlined the "privileges" he granted to the Jews.
Examine the image on the left and consider the following questions:
- What physical characteristics are drawn on the Jewish people that you recognize as part of antisemitic stereotypes?
- Having watched the video above, what do you think life was like during this period for Jews in the Holy Roman Empire?
Image: Emperor Heinrich VII after his coronation at Aachen, ca. 1340. Courtesy University of Washington
Modern Antisemitism
Inspired by the Enlightenment, many nations granted more freedoms to the Jewish people. These included property rights, better job prospects, and political involvement. Antisemitic stereotypes, however, still prevailed. This antisemitic skepticism led to scandals such as the Dreyfus affair of 1894. A Jewish, French Army officer charged with treason for allegedly selling military information to Germany. Though there was little evidence against him, Alfred Dreyfus's Jewish heritage subjected him to suspicion. He was found guilty.
Click the button below to learn more about the Dreyfus Affair:
The political cartoon to the right shows a caricature of Alfred Dreyfus.
Examine this cartoon and consider the following questions:
- What did the artist draw as his weapon?
- How does this depiction connect to his case and related antisemitic stereotypes?
Image: Le Regiment Dreyfus, 1899. Courtesy USHMM
Racial Antisemitism
Using Social Darwinism and new biology and genetic theories, many Europeans in the late-nineteenth century viewed Jews as an inferior race rather than a religious group. Not even converting to Christianity would absolve them of their alleged crimes against the human race. In twentieth century Germany, the Nazi political political party led by Adolf Hitler came to power using a platform that blamed the Jews for all of mankind's misfortunes. This rhetoric led to widespread violence, stripping away of Jewish rights, and to the Holocaust.
The propaganda poster to the left depicts a German soldier attacking a violent murderer with the slogan: “Death to the Murderous Jewish Bolshevik Plague."
Examine this poster and consider the following question: How would propaganda like this affect people's perception of the Jews and their attitudes toward the war with Russia?
Image: Poster of a German soldier attacking a Jewish Soviet soldier killing civilians, circa 1914. Courtesy USHMM
Engage
Der Giftpilz, which translates to The Poisonous Mushroom, is a prime example of German antisemitic propaganda. Written by Ernst Hiemer in 1938, the book illustrates the racial antisemitism that was spreading across the world.
Click the button below to read an online version of the book. Then, consider the following questions:
- Who is the target audience of this book? Why is that important?
- What physical characteristics does the author claim the Jews have? Where have you seen other depictions like this?
- What antisemitic themes about money and work are present in the text?
- Can you find the continuation of Christianity-based antisemitism in the book?
- Why is propaganda like this so effective?
Image: Cover of The Poisonous Mushroom, 1938. Courtesy Calvin University German Propaganda Archive
Antisemitism Today
Antisemitism is still prevalent in our society. You may remember attacks in recent years such as the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in 2018 or displays of antisemitism like the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville in 2017 where marchers waved Nazi flags. Antisemitism is still present in the language of politicians and in persisting stereotypes.
Watch the video below from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum about recent instances of antisemitism. Then, consider the following questions:
- Why do you think antisemitism did not end with the Holocaust?
- How has antisemitism changed since World War II?
- What groups are the most common perpetrators of antisemitism today?
- Can you think of any antisemitic attacks in your community that have happened since this video was made?
Image: Tree of Life Synagogue Memorials, October, 30, 2018. Courtesy The White House
Review
In this unit we have covered the history of antisemitism through the last 2000 years. Using this resource from Echoes and Reflections, review the history of antisemitism and note details about its progression. As you read, consider the following questions:
- Where did the term antisemitism come from?
- What does the term scapegoat mean? Why is it important to antisemitism?
- What was The Protocols of the Elders of Zion?
- What beliefs were fundamental to the Nazis’ racist ideology?
RESEARCH ACTIVITY
Now that we have covered the various forms of antisemitism in Europe's history and identified the harmful stereotypes associated with it, you can apply this to your own research. Follow the links below to browse online collections of antisemitic visual materials.
Using these resources, find at least three items or images that connect to the history of antisemitism. Write 3-5 sentences about each image that reflect what you have learned in this lesson. Ask your instructor for directions on how to submit your work.
Image: Postcard with a cartoon of Jewish accountants, undated. Courtesy USHMM
This digital lesson was curated and designed by Samantha Harvel from Georgia State University in collaboration with staff from the Museum of History and Holocaust Education at Kennesaw State University.