Jews of Habsburg Austria: 1670-1918 ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

The student will examine the history of Jews in the Habsburg Austrian Monarchy from 1670 to 1918, gaining an understanding of the major events of this history. Of particular interest will be the innovative and tolerant policies towards Jews of Joseph II, the spreading of the Haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment), questions of assimilation and acculturation, the effects of the revolutions of 1848, the Ausgleich (Compromise) of 1867 that granted autonomy to Hungary, the First World War, the cultural contributions to Jews to culture in Vienna, Prague, Budapest, and other areas, and broader movements of nationalism (both Jewish and non-Jewish). Prerequisites: An introductory level course in European history is strongly recommended.