key term - The Eternal Jew

Definition

The Eternal Jew is a derogatory term and stereotype used to characterize Jews as a perpetual outsider, often depicted as greedy, deceitful, and a threat to society. This concept was propagated in Nazi propaganda to justify anti-Semitic policies and foster hatred against Jewish people, framing them as responsible for societal problems and promoting the idea of an unchangeable, negative Jewish identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Eternal Jew was popularized through the 1937 Nazi propaganda film of the same name, which depicted Jews in a dehumanizing manner.
2. This term was instrumental in fostering public support for anti-Semitic legislation, including the Nuremberg Laws that stripped Jews of citizenship rights.
3. The portrayal of the Eternal Jew contributed to widespread violence against Jewish communities during the Kristallnacht pogrom in 1938.
4. Nazi propaganda portrayed the Eternal Jew as a parasite on society, reinforcing negative stereotypes and justifying discriminatory practices.
5. This concept played a significant role in the broader strategy of the Nazi regime, aiming to unify the German population against a common enemy through the scapegoating of Jews.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of the Eternal Jew shape public perceptions of Jews in Nazi Germany?
  • The concept of the Eternal Jew significantly shaped public perceptions by depicting Jews as threats to society's moral fabric. By portraying them as greedy and deceitful through various media, including films and posters, Nazis effectively instilled fear and hatred among the German populace. This portrayal was crucial in normalizing anti-Semitic attitudes and justifying harsh policies against Jews.
• Discuss the role of Nazi propaganda in promoting the notion of the Eternal Jew and its impact on anti-Semitic policies.
  • Nazi propaganda played a central role in promoting the notion of the Eternal Jew by utilizing various forms of media to disseminate negative stereotypes about Jewish people. This relentless campaign not only deepened societal hatred but also laid the groundwork for anti-Semitic laws like the Nuremberg Laws. The portrayal created an environment where discriminatory policies were accepted as necessary for protecting society from an alleged threat.
• Evaluate how the idea of the Eternal Jew contributed to broader anti-Semitic sentiment across Europe during this period.
  • The idea of the Eternal Jew reinforced existing anti-Semitic sentiments across Europe, aligning with long-standing prejudices that portrayed Jews as outsiders. The Nazi regime's promotion of this stereotype galvanized similar movements in other countries, leading to widespread discrimination and violence against Jewish communities throughout Europe. By framing Jews as an existential threat, it facilitated collaborative efforts among various regimes to enact oppressive measures against them, culminating in tragic consequences during the Holocaust.

Related terms

Anti-Semitism: A form of prejudice and discrimination against Jews, characterized by hostility, hatred, and systemic exclusion from societal roles.

Nazi Propaganda: The dissemination of information, ideas, or rumors to promote a specific political cause or agenda, heavily utilized by the Nazis to promote their racial ideologies and anti-Semitic beliefs.

Aryan Race: A racial ideology promoted by the Nazis that described a 'pure' race believed to be superior, primarily associated with Northern Europeans, which contrasted sharply with their views on Jews.