Medieval Prejudice and Holocaust Propaganda Analysis
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Megan Marsh
College:
The College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major:
Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Adara Goldberg
Abstract:
The superstitions and prejudice towards the Jews during the Middle Ages directly aligns with the prejudice and propaganda seen throughout the Holocaust. From the various beliefs of Jewish selfishness and greed during the Middle Ages, there are multiple examples of propaganda against the Jewish people in newspapers during and prior to the Holocaust. There is a direct connection between the creation of the myths of Jewish greed in relation to their frequent position as money lenders or merchants, due to these careers being one of the few opportunities available to the Jewish community. In connection with this prejudice, prior to and during the Holocaust, there were multiple examples of propaganda against Jews, particularly those with careers in banking. There is a direct connection here, as the trades available during the Middle Ages and banking directly correlated with one another. This research study explores how prejudice from the Middle Ages was easily extended into the 20th century in order to prey upon a minority group, just as had been done during the Black Death.