Language:
English
Year of publication:
2008
Titel der Quelle:
East European Politics and Societies
Angaben zur Quelle:
22,2 (2008) 203-248
Keywords:
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)
Abstract:
The victimization rates of Jews in Bulgaria and Romania during World War II are very different. While in Bulgarian-held territories "only" 18% of the Jews perished, in Romanian-held territories the number was close to 50%. Describing the anti-Jewish policies and opposition to them in both countries, argues that despite some differences, the two countries were actually quite similar in their anti-Jewish policies. Indeed, both of them participated in the victimization of Jews in newly acquired territories, while protecting those in the "home country". It was because of their close alliance with Nazi Germany, and not despite it, that both governments were able to protect their Jewish citizens. The policies toward Jews in both countries were dictated by "Realpolitik", as well as by economic considerations; the popular opposition to these policies was also a factor affecting decision-making. The cases of Bulgaria and Romania show that the opposition could be effective only in countries where domestic political institutions existed to channel it. The higher victimization rate of Romania's Jews was affected also by such factors as Romania's greater dependence on Germany and a higher level of popular antisemitism in Romania.
DOI:
10.1177/0888325408315759
URL:
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