Language:
German
Year of publication:
1989
Titel der Quelle:
Bulletin des Leo Baeck Instituts
Angaben zur Quelle:
82 (1989) 13-42
Keywords:
Napoléon
;
Jews
;
Jews History 1800-2000
Abstract:
Discusses the attitude of Jews in Bonn to French rule (1794-1814) and their civil status under Napoleonic law. Although in Alsace-Lorraine Jews had become citizens in 1791, in the Rhineland their status remained unsettled until 1797, when the gates of the Bonn ghetto were torn down and in practice they exercised the rights and duties of citizens. Legally, however, they acquired citizenship only in 1802 with the extension of the French constitution to the Rhineland. Explains the aims of Napoleon's Jewish policy as abolition of "the state within the state" and integration of the Jews in the French nation; in addition, Napoleon wished to restrict usury and to ensure that Jews would not evade army service. The Assembly of Notables of 1806, the Sanhedrin of 1807, and the consistories established in 1808 served the purposes of assimilation. Argues that the "Infamous Decree" of 1808, which deprived Jews of rights enjoyed by all other citizens, did not fulfill its stated purpose of advancing Jews towards integration but rather isolated them anew.
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