Causes of the Jewish emigration

For centuries (milleniums even), the Jews have suffered from religious persecution and anti-Semitism in all parts of the world. It was no different during the 19th-century in countries including Russia, Poland and Germany.

German Jews Most Jews who emigrated to the U.S. came from Germany. They left for the same reasons as their countrymen: they wanted to seek better lives, better economic conditions, and more freedom. However they also left for many other reasons that, one might say, were created by their own countrymen. It’s a known fact that anti-Semitic feelings once ran high in Germany. 250 000 Jews lived under hard conditions in Germany. Although the Jews status varied according to the area they lived in, oftentimes the persecution was unbearable. Frequently, Jews meet with open, strong anti-Semitism as members of an “inferior race”. They had to live with restrictions on their choice of work, were generally repressed, and were frequently met with hostility. Anti-Jewish laws and local customs existed, and the Jews became used to distrusting their fellow citizens. The treatment of the Jewish people varied if you compare the different areas of Germany. Jews experienced the worst conditions in eastern Germany, especially in the Grand Duchy of Posen. (Unfortunately, the treatment of the Jews in this area probably was influenced by their Polish neighbours.) In Posen they had to endure severe restrictive legislation. It wasn’t until 1848 that they were given free right of movement or citizenship rights. Other restrictive legislation was not lifted until 1869. In the southern and western areas of Germany, the treatment was better. However, the Jews did not find equality with other citizens. The fact that conditions were better in these areas was a result of Napoleon’s conquests. They had promoted a more liberal system, which gave freedom and a degree of legal emancipation. But as Napoleon returned the control of those areas, the Jews were once again discriminated, as restrictive local legislation once again came into effect. Since the Jews had experienced a better life, it became more difficult to adopt to their former hardships. More and more laws were added through time. Harsh restrictions were placed on Jews that made it hard to continue with one's chosen profession, to settle in an area, or even to marry. The restrictions were unfair and discriminating. The government even decided the number of Jews that were allowed to live in a region, and once the number was decided it wasn't changed. Not even the children of those who originally settled (the inscribed) in the area were allowed to set up their own farms there unless someone died or moved. However, some improvements were made in the status of the Jews. The German government wanted them to change occupation in favour of others. This was difficult, especially since the Jews were very successful in their traditional professions such as shopkeeping and dealing in grain and cattle. The Germans wanted them to change to so-called “purer” and more “productive” occupations such as shoe- and clothmaking or weaving. If they didn’t, there was a possibility of a fine. Even though the Jews managed to change their occupations successfully, their hardships were not over. Whatever the Jews seemed to accomplish, whatever changes they successfully endured, the prospects of a life in Europe only ensured a threatening future. As a result, the support of friends and family who had already moved to America seemed to offer a new hope. The dream of America and freedom entered the minds of many Jews as they joined the European exodus to the U.S.A. The eastern European Jews In Russia, anti-Semitism laws were in effect. The Jews were only allowed to live in a special area stretching along the Russian borders to the east, called the Pale of Settlement. They were also prohibited to own land or work in most occupations. The Jews weren’t even allowed to get an education. By 1881, situations worsened as the tsar, Alexander II was assassinated. The restrictions increased and anti-Jewish riots often occurred. In 1882 new anti-Semitic laws were passed. As pogroms increased, many Jews decided to escape to America. After the Russian Revolution in 1905, living conditions once again decreased. The Jews were persecuted in most areas of Russia. Many were killed or were left homeless. This resulted in a new wave of emigrants to America. The Jews didn’t exclusively emigrate because of pogroms, however. Jews also suffered from population and economic pressure. Consequently, the easiest way to avoid miseries became to emigrate to the Promised Land.

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References
18 1. Maldwyn A. Jones "Chapter 8 - The new Diaspora" Destination America . London - U.K., Thames Television Limited 1976. P.168-169

20 Timothy Crumrin "Jews in Early Indiana" 1999-08-10 <http://www.connerprairie.org/cp/injews.html> (1999-08-10)



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