Pogroms

Pogroms are violent attacks against minority groups, particularly Jews, characterized by destruction of property, looting, murder, and mass rape. The term originated in the Russian Empire during the 19th century, derived from the Russian word pogrom meaning to wreak havoc or demolish violently. The most notorious pogroms occurred between 1881 and 1921 following the assassination of Tsar Alexander II, resulting in thousands of Jewish deaths and displacements. Additional waves took place during the Holocaust when Nazi Germany and collaborators organized similar violent actions against Jewish communities across occupied Europe. These attacks were often sparked by false accusations, economic tensions, or antisemitic propaganda, with local authorities frequently failing to intervene or participating in the violence. The legacy of pogroms contributed significantly to the development of modern Jewish nationalism and the Zionist movement, representing a dark chapter in European history that illustrates the dangers of unchecked antisemitism and ethnic violence.