Pogroms and Perceptions: The 1881 Jewish Crisis

This chapter explores the pogroms of 1881, particularly in Balta, and how historical narratives around these events have evolved. It critiques modern scholarship for failing to adequately consider economic factors and the interplay between Jewish and Gentile communities, suggesting that resentment stemmed from deeper socio-economic tensions. The chapter also reflects on the aftermath of these pogroms and how propaganda shaped the understanding of Jewish victimhood in the context of political upheaval.