[Poland 1933] Before WWII, Polish Jewry numbered 3.3 million, whereas post-war numbers totaled 240,000, a figure which had fallen to 9,000 after 1970. A total of 5.5 million people were murdered in camps in Poland: of these 4 million were of Jewish origin, 3 million being Polish Jews. Essential Questions: How did Poland's national consciousness, stemming from a history of foreign suppression and intervention, make it susceptible to anti-Semitic influences from neighboring countries? In the study of national histories, how important are the actions of government officials compared to actions of "the people"?
The dissolution of Poland in the 18th century by Austria, Prussia and Russia helped, in part, for it to become the "dumping ground" for the perceived undesirable Jews. Pogroms compelled Jews to move from various places in each of the three countries mentioned above. Where else is a better place to settle than within an area that fosters a sense of community. Near Krakow the Jewish community flourished, and this success would cause non-Jewish communities nearby that were not well off resent them more. Antisemitism in the Hapsburg Empire was especially virulent, and the cultures that profess a superiority over others is only naturally prone to attack those whom they identify as inferior in any respect. Christian leaders condemned the Jews and this made it much easier for so-called Christians to persecute the Jews simply because they were Jews.
ReplyDeleteI believe that in the context of any study of a nation's history the actions of the government and of the people are almost equally important factors. The government can focus its population onto a given topic requiring action and get the people to move. Herman Goering said as much while awaiting trial at Nuremberg. Identify someone or group as an enemy of the state and then condemn anyone who attempts to come to their defense. This tactic works in all types of government systems (e.g., accuse someone as a terrorist in the U.S. today and watch public opinion be swayed with that condemnation). Intimidation and fear are useful tools to a government that wants to turn the populace's attention to a given problem and demand action. Likewise, the people and the culture that they have fostered for generations will have a significant impact upon what kind of government they are willing to accept and obey. Neither is truly independent of the other and both can become the master of the other as in the persecution of the Cherokee in Georgia in the years leading up to the Trail of Tears. The Jews in Poland were indeed victims of both national as well as cultural persecution. Resentments, deep and long standing, already existed and only required the order of the state to move people to action while believing they were doing the right thing in trying to destroy the Jews.