Political Mobilization and Jewish Expulsions in the Later Middle Ages
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Mobilisation politique et modernisation organique. Les expulsions de Juifs au Bas Moyen Age / Political Mobilization and Organical Modernization. The Expulsions of the Jews in the Later Middle Ages.
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions� publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales�)
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Maurice Kriegel
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly�)
Full text available for: Mobilisation politique et modernisation organique. Les expulsions de Juifs au Bas Moyen Age / Political Mobilization and Organical Modernization. The Expulsions of the Jews in the Later Middle Ages.
Year: 1978
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
The expulsions of Jews from England, France, and Spain during the later Middle Ages are often attributed to various economic, national, or political factors. However, these explanations are seen as incomplete. Maurice Kriegel proposes an integrated theory that examines these expulsions, highlighting their connection to the modernizing and mobilizing efforts of the regimes in question, namely those of Edward I, Philip the Fair, and Fernando and Isabella. He argues that these regimes utilized traditional values while simultaneously addressing modern state-building, which ironically led to an increased intolerance towards the long-standing Jewish communities.
2) Mobilization and the Role of National Identity
One of the key concepts in Kriegel's analysis is the idea of political mobilization alongside the formation of national identity. The regimes of Edward I, Philip the Fair, and the Catholic Monarchs in Spain created modern institutions that defined national belonging and encouraged public participation through deliberative assemblies. By mobilizing the populace around shared national aspirations, these regimes were able to align popular sentiment against certain marginalized communities, including the Jews. This mobilization was framed within a context of a "greater good," where the expulsion was seen as necessary for national unity and strength.
3) Economic Factors and Social Dynamics
Kriegel discusses the interplay between economic conditions and social dynamics, noting how more developed countries like England and France were able to displace Jewish communities once local economic conditions improved. The economic growth of these nations allowed for the replacement of Jewish roles in finance and trade by emerging bourgeois classes, leading to increased resentment against Jews, who were once integrated into the societal fabric. This economic dimension provided both rationales and opportunities for expulsion, as local populations and rulers sought to reallocate economic power away from the Jews.
4) The Impact of Religion and Messianic Tendencies
The expulsion of Jews also coincided with a fervently religious atmosphere characterized by heightened religious sentiments and messianic expectations. As these regimes sought to solidify their power and legitimacy, they capitalized on pervasive anti-Jewish sentiments, often framing the expulsions within a narrative of religious purity and divine favor. The blending of religious ideology with political motives meant that expelling Jews was seen as part of a sacred mission, reinforcing the legitimacy of the sovereigns by casting them as defenders of the faith.
5) The Interconnectedness of Political Power and Public Sentiment
Kriegel emphasizes the connection between political decisions and public sentiment, highlighting how expulsions were often met with popular approval. This bipartite relationship indicates that expulsions were not merely top-down actions by sovereigns, but also responses to grassroots desires for societal purification and unity. Local grievances against Jews frequently fed into broader nationalistic and populist movements, in which the sovereign’s actions resonated with popular aspirations for stability and order during times of transition.
6) Conclusion
In conclusion, Maurice Kriegel’s examination of Jewish expulsions in the later Middle Ages sheds light on the multidimensional factors at play. By linking these expulsions to broader themes of political mobilization, national identity, economic evolution, religious fervor, and public sentiment, he presents a cohesive framework for understanding this historical phenomenon. The expulsion of Jews can be seen as a reflection of the complexities of societal transformation as societies sought to define themselves in relation to both internal and external others, ultimately leading to significant shifts in the social landscape of medieval Europe.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What factors contributed to the expulsions of Jews during the Middle Ages?
The expulsions have been attributed to economic, national, and political currents, but these explanations are partial. An integrating theory suggests that modernizing regimes tapped into traditional values and fostered popular loyalty through expulsions as a common goal.
What were the major expulsions of Jews in the late Middle Ages?
Significant expulsions occurred from England in 1290, France in 1306, and Spain in 1492. These expulsions often reflected the dynamic of modernizing states establishing their national identity while expelling those previously tolerated.
How did religious tensions influence the expulsions of Jews?
Religious tensions, bolstered by a growing Christianization and messianic fervor, exacerbated hatred toward Jews. The hostility was often expressed during times of societal crisis, leading to increased demands for expulsion as a means of purging dissent.
What role did economic factors play in the expulsion of Jews?
Economic factors, such as the rise of the bourgeoisie, often made Jews, who were vital in initial economic roles, replaceable. Expulsions often coincided with economic growth, as rising classes sought to eliminate competition and consolidate power.
How did political power dynamics influence Jewish expulsions?
Political alliances influenced the treatment of Jews; rulers sometimes expelled Jews to gain favor with the nobility or populace. For some kings, expelling Jews served to consolidate their power against other social classes.
What was the relationship between nationalism and the expulsion of Jews?
Emerging nationalism in regions like France and Spain fostered a sense of identity that often excluded outsiders. Expulsions were perceived as reinforcing national unity, demonstrating that Jews were seen as threats to national cohesion.
What common characteristics were shared by the regimes that expelled Jews?
The regimes of Edward I, Philip IV, and Ferdinand and Isabella shared characteristics of mobilization and modernization. They engaged in creating state structures while fostering a shared national identity, using expulsions to unify and strengthen their societies.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Political Mobilization and Jewish Expulsions in the Later Middle Ages�. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) King:
A king represents the highest authority in a monarchy, a central figure of power who often leads through governance and inspires sentiments of loyalty and identity among citizens. The king's decisions can reflect both personal devotion and broader religious sentiments, directly impacting the nature of the kingdom's relationship with its subjects and perceived foreigners.
2) Power:
Power is the capacity of a ruler, such as a king, to enforce laws, control resources, and influence the sentiments of the populace. The exercise of power shapes the dynamics of identity within a society, leading to movements such as the expulsion of foreigners, including Jews, underscoring a transformation in social structures.
3) Sentiment:
Sentiment refers to the collective feelings and attitudes of a population, influenced by cultural and religious identities. Throughout history, sentiment has shaped the public's acceptance or rejection of various groups, leading to significant transformations in societal behavior and policies concerning foreigners and minority communities.
4) Possession:
Possession denotes ownership, particularly in terms of land and property. The driving sentiment behind expulsion often relates to the desire to reclaim possessions thought to have been wrongfully held by minorities, igniting a passion for unity among the majority population and furthering the expulsion of foreigners.
5) Religion:
Religion plays a significant role in shaping societal values and norms, often intertwining with political power and identity. The influence of religious sentiment can lead to the exclusion of those labeled as outsiders, marking a transition in societal attitudes and actions, especially towards communities such as Jews.
6) Nature:
The nature of a kingdom's governance, shaped by its history and the prevailing sentiments, influences the treatment of foreign populations. Changes in the nature of political power during the late Middle Ages reflect a broader evolution of societal values, impacting the existence of Jewish communities within Christian-dominated regions.
7) Anti (Amti):
Anti refers to opposition towards specific groups or ideas, often leading to exclusion or expulsion. The rise of anti-Jewish sentiment during critical periods is reflective of deeper tensions within society, catalyzing actions that reshape identities and social structures throughout historical experiences.
8) Experience:
Experience encompasses the historical events and societal reactions that shape the identities of communities. The shared experience of exclusion contributed to a collective sentiment, reinforcing a societal perspective that marginalized foreign groups like the Jews, particularly during moments of societal transformation.
9) Treasury:
Treasury signifies the financial resources controlled by ruling powers, often influencing their decisions regarding expulsion and confiscation of property. Economic concerns related to the treasury motivate actions that can lead to increased donations to religious institutions while reflecting governmental greed and influence over public sentiment.
10) Identity:
Identity is constructed through shared beliefs, experiences, and cultural norms, often including a collective sentiment toward others. The formation of national identity can lead to exclusionary practices against perceived foreigners, culminating in various local and national expulsion events throughout medieval Europe.
11) Passion:
Passion reflects the intense feelings that drive societal movements and political action, particularly against marginalized groups. The passion of a society in forging its identity can lead to fervent anti-foreign sentiment, resulting in events such as the expulsion of Jews from various European cities.
12) Murder (Murdering, Murdered):
Murder refers to the unlawful killing of individuals, which can serve as a catalyst for anti-Jewish sentiment and expulsion narratives. Accusations of ritual murder against Jews historically inflamed public opinion, demonstrating how fear and misunderstanding can lead to wide-scale violence and exclusion.
13) Lead:
To lead signifies the exercise of authority, often by a king or ruler, to guide societal behavior and enforce norms. The decisions made by leaders impact the sentiment and identity within a community, often resulting in movements that expel foreigners in times of societal unrest.
14) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation involves significant changes within societies, influenced by evolving sentiments and identities. The transformation of medieval societies often led to the exclusion of Jews as tensions rose with the emergence of national identities, marking a pivotal shift in social organization.
15) Strengthening:
Strengthening refers to the processes that enhance the cohesion and unity amongst a community. The strengthening of national identity often correlates with anti-foreigner sentiments, leading to actions aimed at expelling Jews from society and reinforcing societal bonds among Christian citizens.
16) Evolution:
Evolution describes the gradual development of societal norms and identities over time. The evolution of public sentiment around the existence of foreign communities reflects changing attitudes that ultimately lead to organized expulsions as societies seek to redefine their collective identity.
17) Foreigner:
Foreigner refers to those not belonging to a given nation or community. The treatment of foreigners, particularly Jews, during the late Middle Ages underscores a significant transformation in societal attitudes, shaped by burgeoning nationalism and anti-foreign sentiment.
18) Existence:
Existence encompasses the lived experiences and realities of marginalized communities like Jews. The desire for exclusion often stems from a broader sentiment that longs for an identity free from perceived threats posed by the existence of foreign elements within society.
19) Restrained (Restraint, Restraining):
Restraint refers to the limitations placed on actions and thoughts, often imposed by authority. The historical context of restraint in discussing religious and social practices demonstrates the complexities around Jewish existence within Christian-dominated societies and influences subsequent expulsion policies.
20) Doctrine:
Doctrine entails the principles and beliefs upheld by a religious or political authority. The articulation of doctrines can reflect societal sentiments that justify exclusion and shape the behaviors of rulers toward communities such as Jews throughout medieval European history.
21) Language:
Language serves as a crucial component of identity and expression, reflecting a community's culture and sentiments. The evolution of language around national identities plays a significant role in shaping attitudes towards foreigners and contributes to their exclusion.
22) Devotion (Devoted):
Devotion refers to strong dedication towards religious beliefs or leadership. This sentiment often manifests in the governance of societies, impacting policies against Jews and foreign groups, as rulers seek to reflect their piety through actions that reinforce group identity.
23) Universe:
Universe denotes the totality of beliefs, practices, and social structures within a community. Within this universe, the exclusion of Jews reveals a collective sentiment that binds citizens together while marking perceived others as threats to social cohesion.
24) Feeling:
Feeling encapsulates the emotional responses of communities towards various social groups. Growing feelings against foreign elements often prompted significant societal changes, such as expulsion decisions that reflected deeper sentiments of identity and unity within the populace.
25) Throne:
Throne signifies the seat of power and sovereignty held by rulers, from which decisions are made. The nature of authority expressed through the throne impacts societal dynamics, shaping sentiments towards minorities and leading to organized exclusion during periods of transformation.
26) Santa (Shanta, Samta, Shamta):
[see source text or glossary: Santa]
27) Roman (Roma):
Roman relates to aspects of the Roman Empire and its historical influence on governance and society. The transformation of societal structures during the decline of the Roman Empire set the stage for evolving sentiments and identities, contributing to subsequent exclusionary practices against Jews.
28) Truth:
Truth represents the objective beliefs that inform collective sentiment within a society. The perception of truth often motivates exclusionary acts, particularly against Jews, as societies seek justification for their actions in the name of restoring a perceived moral order.
29) Image:
Image refers to the representation of ideals and identities within a society, influencing public sentiment. The cultivation of a particular image by rulers can lead to the exclusion of groups deemed incompatible with emerging national or cultural identities.
30) Light:
[see source text or glossary: Light]
31) City:
City indicates an urban center where community dynamics manifest, often serving as focal points for social tensions. The attitudes of citizens within a city can significantly impact collective sentiments toward foreigners, including the expulsion decisions that often begin at local levels.
32) Roman Empire:
Roman Empire signifies the historical political structure that shaped governance and social norms. The legacy of the Roman Empire influences perceptions of identity and foreignness, contributing to the exclusion of groups such as Jews in subsequent eras.
33) Implementation:
Implementation refers to the execution of policies or ideas enacted by authorities. The implementation of expulsion laws against Jews reflects a broader transformation in societal structures and power dynamics, driven by intensified anti-foreigner sentiment.
34) Civilization:
Civilization encompasses the complex social structures and cultural identities that define a society. The decline of medieval civilization and the subsequent rise of new identities often resulted in intensified exclusionary practices against foreigners, particularly Jews.
35) Sovereignty:
Sovereignty indicates the authority held by a ruler or government to govern a territory. The exercise of sovereignty often includes decisions on expulsion based on prevailing sentiments, particularly toward groups viewed as outsiders or threats to collective identity.
36) Dissolution (Dissolved, Dissolve, Dissolving):
Dissolution involves the breaking apart of established structures or identities. The dissolution of Jewish communities throughout Europe during the late Middle Ages illustrates how changing sentiments can lead to significant transformations and the ultimate exclusion of minorities.
37) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the examination of ideas and sentiments within society. The discourse surrounding expulsion policies often reflects undercurrents of resentment or desire for cohesion, impacting the decisions made by authorities concerning foreign populations.
38) Testimony:
Testimony denotes evidence or proof of experiences and sentiments. Historical testimony concerning the treatment of Jews provides crucial insight into societal dynamics, revealing the evolving attitudes that culminated in widespread expulsions during critical historical moments.
39) Dimension:
Dimension reflects a particular aspect or component of a broader phenomenon. In the context of expulsion, the multifaceted dimensions of identity, sentiment, and power dynamics interplay to create environments conducive to the exclusion of foreigners like Jews.
40) Physician:
[see source text or glossary: Physician]
41) Monarchy:
Monarchy signifies a form of governance with a single ruler at the helm, typically a king or queen. The dynamics within a monarchy can influence sentiments of loyalty or exclusion toward minority groups, shaping public attitudes and policies regarding their existence.
42) Creation:
Creation signifies the act of bringing something new into existence. The creation of national identities often involves the exclusion of perceived outsiders, driving historical trends of expulsion against communities like the Jews amid rising sentiments of unification.
43) Branch (Branches):
[see source text or glossary: Branches]
44) Mutation:
Mutation refers to significant changes or alterations within a society or identity. The mutation of public sentiment regarding foreigners precipitates substantial historical transformations, leading to organized expulsion efforts reflective of local and national pressures.
45) Colouring (Coloring):
Coloring signifies the influences that shape public perceptions and sentiments. The coloring of narratives surrounding Jews and their expulsion reveals how altered sentiments can lead to actions that redefine social structures and community identities.
46) Marriage:
[see source text or glossary: Marriage]
47) External:
External refers to influences or factors coming from outside a community or nation. The external pressures surrounding identity crises often incite anti-foreigner sentiments, shaping public policies aimed at excluding groups like the Jews as a means of solidifying internal cohesion.
48) Jealousy:
Jealousy refers to the emotional response stemming from perceived threats to one’s own identity or belonging. The jealousy felt by communities toward established, foreign populations can lead to societal movements aimed at exclusion and expulsion, igniting tensions within established hierarchies.
49) Illness:
Illness denotes physical or societal maladies that can influence public sentiment. Historical instances of disease often fomented anti-Jewish sentiment, as communities sought scapegoats for their suffering, leading to organized expulsions of Jews during crises.
50) Servant:
Servant reflects the role of individuals who serve within a political or social structure. The expectations of loyalty and representation from those in service can impact the dynamics of power and sentiment surrounding marginalized groups, influencing expulsion decisions.
51) Citizen:
Citizen denotes a member of a community who has rights and responsibilities. The status of Jews as non-citizens often rendered them vulnerable to exclusion and expulsion as societies sought to define their identity against perceived outsiders.
52) Freedom:
Freedom represents the state of being unencumbered by oppression or limitations. The struggle for freedom can motivate societal changes, impacting sentiments towards foreigners and spurring collective movements for expulsion as communities seek to redefine their social landscapes.
53) Grammar:
Grammar signifies the structure and rules governing a language. The emergence of a unified national language often coincides with the assertion of identity, strengthening sentiments against foreigners and influencing public discourse surrounding expulsion policies.
54) Hundred:
[see source text or glossary: Hundred]
55) Extreme:
Extreme denotes the heightened degrees of sentiment or action taken toward specific groups. The extreme measures taken against Jews during periods of societal upheaval elucidate the intense emotions that drive collective decisions to exclude foreigners.
56) Anagni:
Anagni refers to a specific historical context where conflicts arose between secular and religious powers. The events surrounding Anagni illuminate deeper sentiments on authority and governance that shaped public policies regarding foreigners, including Jews.
57) Wisdom:
Wisdom reflects an understanding or insight gained through experience. The wisdom exercised by rulers in balancing sentiment and power can dictate policies toward minority groups and influence historical moments surrounding their expulsion.
58) Refuge:
Refuge signifies a place of safety or shelter for marginalized groups. The search for refuge by expelled Jews illustrates the broader sentiment of displacement and exclusion that follows behind historical expulsions.
59) Heaven:
Heaven denotes a religious or metaphorical place representing ideal existence or fulfillment. The aspiration toward heavenly ideals can drive sentiments that favor exclusionary practices against perceived sinners or outsiders, influencing social dynamics.
60) Glance:
Glance signifies a quick look or perception that can influence sentiment. The public's glance toward minority communities can often shape narratives around identity and exclusion, impacting decisions about expulsion and acceptance.
61) Island:
[see source text or glossary: Island]
62) Breath:
Breath symbolizes life and vitality, often associated with the spirit of a community. The breath of change within societies often necessitates action against dissenters or foreigners, influencing sentiments around their exclusion.
63) Desire:
Desire reflects the deep-seated wishes or aspirations of a population. The desire for unity and identity can lead to exclusionary actions against groups seen as foreign or threatening, illuminating the links between sentiment and governance.
64) Pillar:
Pillar signifies a crucial support or foundation for communities, such as shared beliefs or values. The pillar of religious or national identity can inspire sentiments of exclusion against communities like Jews during periods of transformation.
65) Praise:
Praise reflects public acknowledgment and admiration, particularly toward authority figures. Public praise can be wielded to cultivate national sentiment, which, when combined with other pressures, may lead to the expulsion of minorities perceived as undermining communal values.
66) Future:
Future denotes the anticipated time ahead, shaped by present sentiments and actions. The decisions made regarding the expulsion of Jews often reflect larger aspirations for a society that looks toward a future free of perceived division or foreign influence.
67) Hatred:
Hatred describes intense aversion toward specific groups. In historical contexts, hatred can fuel sentiments leading to the exclusion of Jews during crises, demonstrating how negative emotions can dictate social policies and behaviors.
68) Greed:
Greed refers to the excessive desire for wealth or gain, often overriding moral considerations. The intersection of greed with sentiment around the expulsion of Jews illustrates how economic motivations can drive decisions impacting foreign communities.
69) Death:
Death signifies the end of life, which can provoke societal reactions, including scapegoating minority populations. The sentiment surrounding death in the context of pandemics often resulted in increased hostility toward Jews, contributing to their expulsion.
70) Money:
Money refers to the currency used for exchange and signifies power and influence. Economic motivations surrounding money can prompt expulsion decisions, reflecting the belief that foreign groups such as Jews were competitors in financial matters.
71) Black:
Black often denotes ill opinion or negativity surrounding certain actions or groups. The association of Jews with the 'black death' of societal values or crises can spark extreme actions against them, driven by sentiments of fear and scapegoating.
72) Crown:
Crown symbolizes authority and power held by monarchs. The crowned authority's decisions impact public sentiment and can lead to mass actions against foreign communities, shaping the identity within the monarchy's realm.
73) Depth:
Depth signifies substantial insight or complexity within societal attitudes. The depth of sentiment against Jews sheds light on the historical dynamics that led to their expulsion, revealing underlying tensions in identity.
74) Woman (Women):
Women represent a crucial demographic within society, often influencing public sentiment and behavior. The treatment of women during expulsive contexts reflects broader societal values regarding identity and belonging, impacting sentiments against minority groups.
75) Space:
Space refers to the territorial demarcation often associated with identity. The delineation of space can lead to sentiment against foreigners perceived as intruding, catalyzing actions like expulsions that reinforce social boundaries.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 91]