.1656-1858 British Jews Living Conditions Analysis

The dissertation is on the study of British Jews issues between 1656 and 1858. It is based on four chapters to finding and proving the existence condition of British Jews in the period.Chapter one generally discusses the issues of the Readmission of Jews by Englishmen in 1656. It chiefly analyses the main reasons of Readmission of Jews. Firstly, the British concerned with the unique religious culture of Jews, looking forward to the arrival of the new millennium and Readmission of Jews. Secondly, with the changing of British political system, the British changed their attitude to Jews. Thirdly, the British realized the significant function of the Jews in finance and business. They hoped the Jews can contribute to the economic development of the United Kingdom. Finally, the outstanding leaders played important roles in the Readmission of Jews. Menasseh Ben Israel and Oliver Cromwell made great contribution to the resettlement of Jews.Chapter two mainly offers the changes in the political status of British Jews. Between 1656 and 1858, the Jews experienced the Glorious Revolution, the enacting of "The Jew Bill" and the introducing of "The Jewish Relief Act of 1858". In this process, British Jews realized equal rights as the native British people, and they achieved the basic emancipation.Chapter three offers the changes in the economic status of British Jews. Firstly, it briefly describes the demography of British Jews. Then, the Jews are divided into upper Jews and ordinary Jews. From their professional characteristics and the changes in their profession, we can find out the economic situation of the Jews in Britain. Finally, the changes of Jewish residence reflected British Jewish economic status.Chapter four discusses the status of the Jewish community in Britain. According to geographical distribution, the community is divided into the London Jewish community and the province Jewish community. In accordance with the differences in blood and religious rituals, the Jewish community is divided into Sephardic Jewish community and Ashkenazi Jewish community. The Jewish community played an important role to protect British Jews and provide charitable relief for the Jews. The London Committee of Deputies of British Jews became official link between English government and British Jews.In conclusion, the existence condition of British Jews became better and better between 1656 and 1858. The changes of the political and economic system in Britain provided British Jews an opportunity to improve their political and economic status. At the same time, the Jewish business skills and large financial resources also gave an impulse to industries expansion in Britain.