Anomie and post-imperial transition: anti-Jewish violence in Galicia and the Czech Lands, 1918-1919

Abstract

This article explores anti-Jewish violence in Galicia and the Czech Lands during 1918–1919, revealing dynamics amidst the collapse of the Austrian monarchy. The interconnected factors of economic hardships, and nationalism were manifested differently in each region. The delegitimization of state power served as a backdrop, with attacks on Jews expressing dissat-isfaction with the old order. Both territories witnessed Jews targeted during hunger riots, em-phasizing the blend of economic discontent and anti-Jewish sentiments. Robust national consciousness played a pivotal role, although accompanied by a strong social revolutionary factor. Symbolic acts of violence expressed a moral economy that condemned the perceived hoarding and immoral profiteering and Jewish impure relationship with God. While both regions faced violent outbreaks, Galicia endured incomparably more severe and deadly violence. This comparative analysis provides insights into the complex dynamics that shaped post-monarchy East Central Europe, crucial for understanding the complexities surrounding anti-Jewish violence during this revolutionary period. Furthermore, this comparative analysis highlights how different socio-cultural and economic contexts influenced violence against Jews, simultaneously shedding light on the larger process of nation-building in post-World War I East Central Europe.