Discuss the effects of the persecution of the Jews in medieval Europe.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of changes that occurred in medieval Europe as a result of the persecution of the Jews. Candidates may refer to the Jews’ integral role within societies, despite religious differences, prior to persecution, and candidates may refer to the economic role played by Jews. The resultant destruction of Jewish communities due to their expulsion from various European cities may be considered, along with the impact of anti-Semitic laws against Jews and their customs, such as “blood libels”, which, in some cases, led to higher taxation and restrictions imposed on worship. Forced—or willing—conversions to Christianity across Europe during pogroms or periods of severe persecution may also be referred to. Further effects of persecution meant that many Jews fled en-masse to newly formed Slavic states and Poland for refuge. There they acquired prosperity and practised their religion.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of changes that occurred in medieval Europe as a result of the persecution of the Jews. Few responses were seen to this question. Some candidates tended to describe persecution or the reasons for persecution, rather than the effects of persecution.