History & Area Studies / Thematic History / Social & Cultural History

The Shocking 600-Year Link: Medieval Plague Pogroms Predict Nazi Hate

Nico Voigtlaender; Hans-Joachim Voth

This video explores a groundbreaking study by Nico Voigtlaender and Hans-Joachim Voth, revealing how anti-Semitic violence in Nazi Germany was deeply rooted in medieval events from the 14th century. Using data from over 1,400 German towns, the research shows that towns which persecuted Jews during the Black Death (1348-1350) were six times more likely to experience anti-Semitic attacks in the 1920s and had significantly higher Nazi Party votes in 1928. Even more chilling, this historical hatred persisted despite Jews being absent from many areas for centuries, driven by cultural transmission through family and local traditions. The study also reveals that economic factors, like trade in Hanseatic cities, and high population mobility could break this cycle of hate. Watch to uncover how ancient prejudices can echo across centuries, shaping modern extremism—and what breaks the chain.