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The Dreyfus Affair

The Dreyfus Affair was a political scandal in France in the late 19th century, centering on Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer falsely accused of treason. In 1894, he was convicted based on forged evidence and anti-Semitic sentiments. The case sparked public outrage and revealed deep divisions in French society regarding nationalism and anti-Semitism. Prominent figures, including writer Emile Zola, defended Dreyfus, leading to his eventual exoneration in 1906. The affair highlighted issues of justice, prejudice, and the protection of civil rights, becoming a significant moment in the fight against anti-Semitism in Europe.

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    The Dreyfus Affair was a political scandal in late 19th-century France involving Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer wrongfully convicted of treason. In 1894, he was accused of spying for Germany based on forged evidence. The case revealed deep-rooted anti-Semitism and divided French society, with prominent intellectuals, like Émile Zola, advocating for justice. Dreyfus was eventually exonerated in 1906, symbolizing the fight against injustice and prejudice. The affair highlighted issues of nationalism, civil rights, and the power of the media, leaving a lasting impact on French politics and society.