The .11-18 Century British Jews Probe

The thesis chiefly discusses the Jewish issue of England from 11-18 Century. This text elaborates the living behavior of Jews in England during this period, analyses the role the Jews played in the process of social development and the Englishmen change their attitude towards Jews.It has three chapters:Chapter one generally discusses the history of Jews in England before 1290s'Century. Since William the Conqueror entered England with his armies, Jews living in France also followed in William's step and settled in England. The history of Jews of England started from then on. Firstly, this chapter introduces the major profession of the Jews in England—dealing with usury. And then this chapter narrates the reason why the Jews have to be engaged in the usury briefly, illustrates some instances referring to the usury and analyses the influence of usury to the Jews. The second section mainly presents the relationship between the Jews and kings of England. British Kings offered protection to the Jews, while the Jews provided kings with financial support. The third section introduces the situation of the Jews under the anti-Semitic tide in medieval England and illustrates why the minor barons and the clergy killed the Jews. The fourth part mainly discusses Blood Accusation. In the medieval, the Jews of England suffered cruel persecution, one of the accusations is Blood Accusation, which was considered the greatest guilt committed by Jews, and this text will introduce what the Blood Accusation is and analyze the effect of Blood Accusation. At last, this chapter elaborates the last phase of the Jews in England. After the accession of EdwardⅠ, he made a plan that the Jews dealing with usury must undertake new professions and at the same time, a experiment was made. The experiment started to implement in the whole country. Unfortunately, the experiment was unsuccessful and all the Jews were expelled from England.Chapter two mainly discusses the basic circumstance of Domus Conversorum of England. In the Middle Ages, kings of England were very devout and always entertained a hope that all the heretic would convert to the Christianity, especially those Judaism. king HenryⅢestablished Domus Conversorum under support of church, wishing many more Jews convert to Christianity by means of offering favorable salary and comfortable living condition. At the beginning of this chapter, the paper introduces the establishment and situation of Domus Conversorum at the first stage. Then, the chapter chiefly discusses the circumstance of the Domus Conversorum from the enthronement of King EdwardⅠto the closure of this organization as well as the influence of the converts for the development of British culture. Finally, the chapter elaborates the state of the Jews, who had been stayed in England after 1290, and the establishment of underground Jewish Community.Chapter three discusses the Readmission of the Jews by Englishmen. This chapter chiefly analyses the reason why Englishmen promoted the readmission of the Jews and introduces the process of the Jews' returning England. The reason is as follows: First, religious reform enhanced Englishmen's religious enthusiasm, and they were more concerned the Jewish issue. Secondly, With the impulse of "mercantile system", Englishmen realized the significant function of the Jews in the circle of credit and finance. Thirdly, the outstanding leaders played important roles for the Readmission, for instance, Oliver Cromwell and Menasseh Ben Israel, who made great contributions to the resettlement of the Jews. Finally, the Jews were allowed to resettle in England legally by an accidental affair. The last part introduces the basic circumstances of the Jews after they resettled in England, and what role they played in the advancement of England.