Evian Conference

Definition

The Evian Conference was a meeting held in July 1938 in Evian-les-Bains, France, aimed at addressing the Jewish refugee crisis resulting from the rise of Nazi Germany. Despite being attended by representatives from 32 countries, the conference failed to produce any substantial solutions or commitments to accept Jewish refugees fleeing persecution, highlighting the global reluctance to confront the impending humanitarian disaster.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Evian Conference took place against the backdrop of increasing anti-Semitic violence in Germany and rising numbers of Jewish refugees seeking asylum.
2. While many countries expressed sympathy for the plight of Jewish refugees, most were unwilling to increase immigration quotas or take substantial action to help.
3. The conference is often criticized for its ineffectiveness and for symbolizing the failure of the international community to address the refugee crisis adequately.
4. The United States, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, hosted the conference but did not commit to accepting a significant number of refugees.
5. As a result of the lack of actionable solutions at the Evian Conference, many Jewish refugees were left with few options and ultimately faced dire consequences as World War II escalated.

Review Questions

• How did the outcomes of the Evian Conference reflect the attitudes of various countries towards Jewish refugees in 1938?
  • The outcomes of the Evian Conference revealed widespread reluctance among attending nations to accept Jewish refugees fleeing persecution. While there was some verbal acknowledgment of the crisis, most countries were unwilling to change their immigration policies or accept more refugees due to economic concerns and anti-Semitic sentiments. This lack of commitment underscored a broader trend of indifference that contributed to the isolation and desperation of Jewish individuals during this critical period.
• What were the long-term implications of the Evian Conference on international responses to refugee crises in subsequent years?
  • The Evian Conference set a troubling precedent regarding international responses to refugee crises. The failure to take significant action highlighted how political considerations often overshadow humanitarian concerns. As a result, future refugee crises were similarly met with hesitation and limited commitment from nations, demonstrating a recurring pattern in global politics where immediate needs are often deprioritized in favor of domestic stability and national interests.
• Critically assess how the Evian Conference foreshadowed the international community's response during the Holocaust and its aftermath.
  • The Evian Conference can be seen as a precursor to the international community's inadequate response during the Holocaust. The reluctance of countries to provide refuge to Jewish individuals fleeing Nazi persecution reflected a broader trend of isolationism and apathy towards human rights abuses. This lack of proactive measures not only left countless refugees without safe havens but also allowed for the continuation and escalation of genocidal policies within Nazi Germany. The legacy of this conference highlights ongoing challenges in addressing humanitarian crises and raises critical questions about moral responsibility in times of crisis.

Related terms

Kristallnacht:

Also known as the Night of Broken Glass, Kristallnacht refers to the violent anti-Jewish pogrom that took place on November 9-10, 1938, marking a significant escalation in Nazi Germany's persecution of Jews.

Refugee Crisis:

A situation in which a large number of people are forced to flee their home country due to war, persecution, or natural disasters; during this period, it specifically refers to Jewish individuals fleeing Nazi Europe.

Nazi Germany:

The period of German history from 1933 to 1945 when Adolf Hitler's totalitarian regime implemented policies of extreme nationalism and anti-Semitism, leading to the Holocaust.