The Dreyfus affair

This paper is centered on the Dreyfus affair, a political scandal that divided France in the 1890s. The affair is seen as an important turning point in French history as it exposed deep social and political divisions within the country.

The Dreyfus affair began in 1894 when Jewish army officer Alfred Dreyfus was convicted of spying for Germany and sentenced to life imprisonment. The case against Dreyfus was based on false evidence and he was innocent of the charges against him. However, the army refused to re-examine the case and Dreyfus remained in prison.

The affair caused a public outcry and split French society along political and religious lines. The left saw it as a miscarriage of justice, while the right defended the army's decision. The affair also exposed deep antisemitism in France, which was a major factor in the split between left and right.

The Dreyfus affair finally came to an end in 1906 when Dreyfus was pardoned and released from prison. The affair was a major turning point in French history as it led to the downfall of the conservative government and the rise of the left. It also paved the way for further reforms in France, such as increased civil rights for Jews.

The Impact of the Dreyfus Affair

The Dreyfus affair had a profound impact on French society and politics. It exposed the deep divisions within French society and led to the downfall of the conservative government. The affair also paved the way for further reforms in France, such as increased civil rights for Jews. The affair was a major turning point in French history, and its effects are still felt today.