“The main consequence of persecution was, for the Jews, their segregation from society.” Discuss with reference to the period from 1095 to 1492.

Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the consequences for Jews of their persecution in the given period. Candidates may focus on the consequences in individual countries, or they may refer to several states collectively and assess the consequences more thematically by looking at social, economic and political consequences. Social consequences could range from attacks on synagogues to expulsion from the country, as happened in both France and England. Further, where the ruling authority was weak Jews were often subject to attacks. Economically, the consequences could include loss of property when they were expelled, paying higher taxes or the loss of income as it became difficult for them to act as money lenders. Some may argue that the dominance of Christian doctrine contributed to their segregation from society and encouraged persecution.