The document in question is one in a series of essays penned by famed German composer Richard Wagner. Written in 1850, it is overtly anti-Semitic in tone - full of sweeping generalisations and attacks against the very basic characteristics of the Jewish people. From the very beginning, it is evident that Wagner's intention was to utterly besmirch the name of Judaism and its followers, and to prove that they have no place in the arts, particularly that of music. Given the rising level of anti-Semitism present in western Europe during this time , it is likely that much of his audience would not have been at all unreceptive to the points he was trying to make. It appears that Wagner composed the language of his essay with great care, especially in regards to its title. Although it is generally translated to 'Judaism' in music, the original word, Judentum, had another meaning. In nineteenth-century Germany this word also meant …show more content…
His essay remains, however, an important historical document when identifying the rise in anti-Semitism in western Europe during the nineteenth century, as well as being examined for its potential contribution towards the Nazi party's anti-Semitic policies nearly a century after it was written. From studying this document it becomes apparent that not only was hatred towards the Jews tolerated during this period - it was openly embraced by many. The fact that Wagner, a man of such standing in society, was able to publish such a hate-filled and discriminatory piece of work and not be overtly criticised for it signifies the growing feeling of enmity towards the Jewish people that was present in the west. Undoubtedly, this document is a vital piece of evidence when examining the social situation in Europe during this