The Dreyfus Affair and Its Impact

The Dreyfus Affair was a political scandal in France involving Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish army officer wrongfully convicted of treason in 1894. The case highlighted deep-seated antisemitism and divided French society. Despite evidence of his innocence, the military refused to admit their mistake. Emile Zola's famous open letter, 'J'accuse,' brought attention to the injustice, leading to Dreyfus's eventual rehabilitation in 1906. The affair had lasting impacts on French society and contributed to the discourse on antisemitism and nationalism.

Who was Alfred Dreyfus?

• A French politician

• A German spy

• A French captain of Jewish descent

• A famous writer

What was discovered in the German ambassador's residence?

• A secret map

• A coded message

• A torn letter with military secrets

• A hidden camera

Why was Dreyfus initially suspected?

• He was caught with the letter

• He was of Alsatian origin and Jewish

• He was seen meeting with German officials

• He confessed to the crime

Who discovered the real traitor, Ferdinand Esterhazy?

• Mathieu Dreyfus

• Jean Dujardin

• Georges Picard

• Emile Zola

What was the reaction of the army when Esterhazy was identified as the traitor?

• They promoted him

• They acquitted him to save face

• They immediately arrested him

• They exiled him

What was Emile Zola's famous letter called?

• The Truth

• The Great Injustice

• Justice for Dreyfus

• I Accuse

What was the outcome for Emile Zola after publishing 'J'accuse'?

• He was ignored by the public

• He became president

• He was exiled to avoid prison

• He was awarded a medal

When was Alfred Dreyfus finally exonerated?

• 1894

• 1899

• 1906

• 1910

What long-term impact did the Dreyfus Affair have on French society?

• It highlighted the antisemitism in France

• It caused a war with Germany

• It led to the fall of the French government

• It had no significant impact

What idea did the Dreyfus Affair contribute to?

• The creation of the United Nations

• The concept of a Jewish state

• The abolition of the death penalty

• The formation of the European Union