The earliest form of Zionism was in fact Christian Zionism, predating Jewish Zionism. It can be traced as far back as the early 19th century, based on the belief that the Jewish “return” to Palestine was divinely ordained. Christian Zionism did not build a significant political movement at this time, but these origins are important to consider because since the 1960s, Christian Zionists have been a powerful religious and political force in the United States. ORIGINS AND CONTEXT Zionism emerged in Europe as a more organised political movement and vision towards the late 19th century. At this time, discrimination and violence against Jewish people was widespread
The 19th century was also a time when people around the world began to identify themselves as nations, demanding the right to rule over themselves and determine their own futures. This is now known as the right to self-determination. Simultaneously, this time was a high period in the era of global European imperialism. In addition to the reality of widespread antisemitism, these contexts were crucial to informing the emergence of Zionism and early Zionist thinkers. 16 Century th Christian Zionism the earliest form of Zionism emerges with roots in the Protestant Reformation. Late 19 Century th Amid European nationalism and antisemitism, Jewish Zionism takes shape as a political movement seeking a state of refuge. 1894 The Dreyfus affair takes place in France, demonstrating the power of antisemitism even in ‘liberal’ Europe. 1960s/1970s Evangelical and political movements in America adopt Zionism, turning it into a powerful political force in support for Israel.
throughout many parts of the continent. There was large-scale
violence and immiseration in Eastern Europe, including what were known as pogroms, and within Western Europe there was likewise a culture viewing Jews with suspicion and contempt. The Dreyfus affair was an infamous episode demonstrating the depth of antisemitism in France. It began in 1894, when a French military officer of Jewish descent was wrongfully accused of treason and sentenced to prison. This episode was a stark example of the power of antisemitism even in ‘liberal’ Europe.
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