A Turning Point in the History of Polish Socialism and its Attitude Towards the Jewish Question

Summary

In dealing with the concept of the ‘Jewish Question’ our intention is not, as is often the case, to dwell solely upon the legal status of Jews (emancipation) but to view the problems of Jewish existence in their diversity. According to one view, the dependence upon non Jewish society represents an integral element or, even a determinant, in these problems. In the context of Polish-Jewish relations from the historical perspective of the last hundred years, we may discern six aspects of our subject:

The development of Socialist thought in its different versions - a new current in Polish public thinking of the nineteenth century - as regards the Jews.

The influence of the gradual growth and development of the emerging working class in Polish society - a phenomenon recognized and taken into account by all elements active in public life - the unique approaches which eventually developed from within this class, and their influence upon other classes, above all the intelligentsia, in their attitude towards Jewish matters.

All this should be viewed against the background of the traditional positions held by the older classes, the nobility, the church and the clergy, the various strata of urban bourgeoisie and the peasantry and the constant changes which were taking place in them.

The influence of the relatively large involvement of Jews within the Socialist Labour Movement (more so than in any other Polish movement) on its attitudes towards the subject under discussion.

The impact of the new processes which matured in the last quarter of the 19th century on the life of Eastern European Jewry in general, and on the Polish-Jewish area in particular: modernization and social mobility which gave rise to accelerated economic, cultural and political differentiation as well as wider participation in public life, which was combined with rapid demographic changes among the Jews. These developments and their consequences - heightened and more varied public activity- left their mark upon the fabric of the mutual relationships of all elements in the multinational society of the area.

The growth alongside each other, but also in conflict, of two political and ideological movements - Polish Socialism and Jewish labour Socialism.

In this context, the tension between the Socialist and the national elements which was common to both yet different in its concrete content also lent a special character to their mutual relationship.