HIST 219 Chapter Notes - Chapter 02-09: Jewish Question, Autocracy
Document Summary
Russia had largest jewish pop, but they were unemancipated. Initially, after jews came under russian control, few changes. Then, debates over jewish question and govt policies came abt. Policies were harsh, but not necessarily antisemetic--russia was an autocracy after all. Under catherine the great, jews faced restrictions re: living areas, but retained community autonomy. 1804 statute restricted jewish occupations/hurt livelihoods, but was not v enforced. Jews still not a major concern of tsar. Bred corruption/class conflict--wealthy jews able to buy their way out of service. Govt sponsored jewish schools also failed to assimilate jews. Late 1800s policy intensified both exclusionary policies and efforts of russification. Sign of jewish integration was new class of jewish leaders--not rabbis but wealthy. In 1905 rev, jews gained some poli rights/parli seats but remained unempancipated/wout civ rights. Not emancipated until 1917, w overthrow of the tsar.
