Ricerche economiche sulle interdizione imposte dalla legge civile agli Israeliti

A social-political pamphlet by the Italian economist Carlo Cattaneo (1801-1869), contending that the Jews were persecuted throughout history for vices which were imposed on them by their persecutors. When Christianity achieved official status (4th century), the Jews were subject to a multitude of interdictions regarding administrative or municipal office, military or teaching positions, and possession of servants and real estate. They could not intermarry with Christians, were denied membership in guilds, were barred from universities, confined in restricted areas, and had to obtain residence permits. Even worse, since usury was forbidden to Christians, the "alien" Jews were pushed into moneylending; they would be rich but hated, and were prey to violence and pogroms. The interdictions would prevent the Jews from spending their riches and lead to accumulation of capital, and to population proliferation, both of these catalysts for antisemitism. Argues that only emancipation can make the Jews equal, normal citizens. (From the Bibliography of the Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism - The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)