Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

History Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Brigham Young University

Faculty Publications

Persecution of Jews

Publication Year

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in History

"The Clamor Of The People": Popular Support For The Persecution Of Jews In Switzerland And Germany At The Approach Of The Black Death, 1348-1350, Albert Winkler Jan 2017

"The Clamor Of The People": Popular Support For The Persecution Of Jews In Switzerland And Germany At The Approach Of The Black Death, 1348-1350, Albert Winkler

Faculty Publications

Scholars have recently questioned the role of the lower classes in the persecution of Jews at the advance of the Black Death in Germany 1348-50. However, a careful examination of the many primary sources relating to the persecution of Jews clearly reveals that the lower classes were heavily involved in these pogroms.


The Approach Of The Black Death In Switzerland And The Persecution Of Jews, 1348–1349, Albert Winkler Nov 2007

The Approach Of The Black Death In Switzerland And The Persecution Of Jews, 1348–1349, Albert Winkler

Faculty Publications

When the Black Death approached the Swiss states in 1348, the news of the approaching pestilence traveled faster than the Plague. This gave the Swiss time to react and try to prevent its arrival. The Swiss did not know what caused the Black Death, but they feared that the Jews were poisoning water wells in order to cause the plague. At Chillon and elsewhere, Jews were tortured for confessions, which were clearly worthless. In a climate of fear and severe prejudice, Jews were killed in numerous communities including Basel, Bern, Zurich, and Kyburg by being burned to death. Execution by …