Emile Zola & The Dreyfus Affair

Emile Zola proved to not be just another French writer in the end of the 19th century when he spoke out about the Dreyfus Affair. He brought proof of anti-Semitism to everyone in France’s doorstep with his article “J’accuse.” Zola defended the truth even when he knew that there would be consequences against him. His article made it impossible for the public to ignore the hard truth that the French army falsely accused a Jewish man. Zola believed that the truth and justice are two of the most important values. Zola would go to absolutely any length to ensure that the truth was shown and justice was served. The Dreyfus Affair highlighted institutionalized anti-Semitism and corruption in the Government. It also gives hope to the Jewish people targeted by anti-Semitism behaviors, that one day they would not be mistreated based on their religion and have the freedom to practice anyway they would desire.

In September 1894, the French Army’s Intelligence Branch learned of a breach in security where a document of French National Defense was found being shared with the German military. This document became known as “the bordereau.” The document was addressed to von Schwartzkoppen, the German military attaché. In October, suspicions fell onto Alfred Dreyfus, an Alsatian Jewish army captain in the artillery branch. After being convicted of treason, Dreyfus was sent to Devil’s Island in French Guiana. Without any real evidence against Dreyfus, the majority of France still insisted his guilt (Fitch). This itself exemplified anti-Semitism in France during the late 19th century. The only evidence was the handwriting analysis on a bordereau found, which had been falsely said to be Dreyfus’ by three different analysts.

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...ustice, and with perseverance and bravery to speak out his one goal in “J’accuse” was accomplished. “Today, the truth has won, justice reigns at last, and I am reborn.” (Zola 126)

Works Cited

Datta, Venita. "The Dreyfus Affair And Anti-Semitism: Jewish Identity At 'La Revue Blanche'" Historical Reflections / Réflexions Historiques 21.1 (1995): 113-29. JSTOR. Web. 28 Feb. 2014.

Fitch, Nancy. "Mass Culture, Mass Parliamentary Politics, and Modern Anti-Semitism: The Dreyfus Affair in Rural France." The American Historical Review 97.1 (1992): 55-95. JSTOR. Web. 2 Mar. 2014.

McKay, John P., et al. "Republican France." A History of World Societies. By John P. McKay. 9th ed. Vol. 2. N.p.: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012. 742. Print.

Zola, Emile. The Dreyfus Affair: 'J'accuse' and Other Writings. Ed. Alain Pagès. Trans. Eleanor Levieux. N.p.: Yale UP, 1996. Print.