Language:
English
Year of publication:
1993
Titel der Quelle:
Leo Baeck Institute Year Book
Angaben zur Quelle:
41 (1996) 161-196
Keywords:
Verein zur Abwehr des Antisemitismus
;
Jews
;
Antisemitism History 1800-2000
Abstract:
Discusses the activities and policies of the Abwehrverein, founded in Vienna in 1891 by Arthur and Bertha von Suttner. The organization reached its peak in 1893-94; then, with the political success of the antisemitic Christian Social party, it declined. Analyzes the causes for the Verein's political failure. It failed to establish contacts with the Liberal party because the Liberals downplayed the "Jewish question" and did not want to be identified with Jews. It tried to ally itself with the Austrian state, but the Habsburgs, although opposed to antisemitic violence, were reluctant to combat antisemitism. It could not appeal to the masses, both the working and middle classes, as the Christian Socials could, because its ideology was elitist. The Abwehrverein's tactics were cautious and prudent; Jews did not participate in its activities. The German Abwehrverein was more successful because it leaned on the left-liberal parties and Jews cooperated with it.
Note:
A shorter version appeared in as "The Verein zur Abwehr des Antisemitismus: an analysis of a failure" in "World Congress of Jewish Studies" 11, B, vol.3 (1993) 77-84.
DOI:
10.1093/leobaeck/41.1.161
URL:
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