Jewish Emancipation

Jewish Emancipation refers to the process during the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe where Jewish people gained legal rights and citizenship, freeing them from restrictions and discrimination. This movement began with the Enlightenment, which emphasized reason and individual rights. Countries like France and Germany started granting Jews equal status, allowing them to participate fully in society, including politics, education, and commerce. However, the process was uneven and met with resistance, and while it improved many Jewish lives, it also led to challenges, including rising nationalism and antisemitism.