Historical Events tagged with "scapegoating"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Andrey Yushchinsky's Murder Sparks Controversy

March 25th, 1911 114 years ago

Andrey Yushchinsky, a Jewish boy, was murdered in Kiev, prompting allegations against a Jewish man, Mendel Beilis. The crime attracted widespread attention, leading to a notable court trial that ignited discussions about anti-Semitism in Russia and the broader implications of such accusations. The case became a symbol of societal tensions and fueled public outrage among Jewish communities, who perceived the trial as a manifestation of deep-rooted prejudice against them.

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Crime & Law

Massacre of suspected Jews in Lisbon

April 21st, 1506 519 years ago

In April 1506, over 1,900 suspected Jews were killed in Lisbon by a mob of Portuguese Catholics. This three-day massacre erupted amid a backdrop of escalating tensions and religious fervor following the forced conversions of Jews to Christianity in Portugal. The violence began with a rumor about a miraculous incident in a local church, leading to widespread hysteria and an outpouring of revenge against the Jewish population. The authorities struggled to intervene as the mob rampaged through the city, resulting in staggering loss of life and property.

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Crime & Law

Jews killed in Mainz during plague outbreak

August 24th, 1349 675 years ago

Following accusations of causing the bubonic plague, approximately six thousand Jews were killed in Mainz, Germany. The Jewish communities were scapegoated, facing violence and persecution during the pandemic. This tragic act was fueled by rampant fear and antisemitic sentiments, leading to a wave of violence against Jews across Europe.

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Crime & Law

Mass Killing of Jews in Strasbourg

February 14th, 1349 676 years ago

In Strasbourg, a violent outbreak erupted leading to the deaths of several hundred Jews who were burned alive by mobs. The remnants of the Jewish community were forcibly expelled from the city. This brutal incident stemmed from widespread anti-Jewish sentiment fueled by the Black Death, as Jews were wrongfully blamed for the plague that ravaged Europe.

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Religion & Philosophy

Pope Clement VI Defends Jews from Blame

July 6th, 1348 676 years ago

Pope Clement VI issued a papal bull aiming to protect Jewish communities who were unjustly accused of causing the Black Death through poisoning wells. Amidst growing anti-Semitic sentiment in Europe, the Pope condemned these false accusations and called for compassion and understanding towards the Jewish population. This papal pronouncement was a response to the widespread violence, including massacres and expulsions, directed at Jews during the plague years, emphasizing the need for peace and coexistence.

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