State policy towards the Jewish population of the Russian Empire during the First World War

Abstract

Relevance. Back in the 18th century, the Russian Empire introduced a pale of settlement for the Jewish population. But the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 made adjustments to Russian legislation. An analysis of the state policy towards the Jewish population has led to the conclusion that the forced deportation of Jews from the frontline territories has become a determining factor in limiting the pale of settlement.

Purpose. To study the state policy towards the Jewish population of the Russian Empire during the First World War.

Objectives: to analyze the political situation that developed during the war on the forced resettlement of Jews deep into Russia, to investigate the factors that influenced the expansion of the pale of settlement.

Methodology. The author's methodology is based on the principles of historicism and objectivity. Methods of synthesis and generalization of the obtained data are also used.

Results. In the study, the author shows that the First World War contributed to the limitation of the pale of settlement, but Jews, as before, remained the object of discrimination by the authorities. And the war has only worsened their situation. Jewish merchants were blamed for disruptions in the supply of the Russian army, the rights of residents of the frontline territories were severely curtailed, and they were evicted from some regions as potential traitors and spies. Jewish pogroms have become commonplace in the context of the increasing anarchy of Russian society.

Conclusion. The analysis of the state policy towards the Jewish population of the Russian Empire led to the conclusion that the war caused a change in the pale of settlement for Jews who were forced to evacuate from the frontline areas. Jewish refugees settled throughout the Russian Empire.