[100 Challenge] DanJi’s reading note_11

Revision of the World History of Reading Backwards
Author Rhyu Si-min
a published stone pillow
Issuance 2021.10.29.


The stories of those who fought under unjust accusations and persecution to get rid of someone they didn't know and never met give off the scent of literature. Lieutenant Colonel Picard, who risked everything to reveal the truth; Zola, the embodiment of intelligence and passion; Clemenceau, who took responsibility until the end; citizens who overcame media agitation and anti-Semitic mass frenzy with the power of reason; and intellectuals from around the world who supported, cheered and solidified the demand for retrial in regret for the collapse of democracy in France, proved that humans are stupid and sometimes bizarre, but have intellectual talent and good nature.

The Dreyfus incident was remembered for a long time because it was an event that announced the advent of the democratic era. It is said that the 20th century was an era of war and social revolution. It can be said that way since two world wars occurred and the waves of the socialist revolution engulfed Europe and Asia. However, looking back at today, the 20th century was the 100th year that made democracy the dominant trend in civilization. There was no world war after 1945. The Soviet Union and the socialist system in Eastern Europe, born through the revolution, disappeared before the end of the 20th century. Socialism in China is nothing but talk. Throughout the 20th century, democracy has spread widely and become more solid.

Again, Dreyfus hasn't done much. Esperage's existence is not particularly important. There is no reason why Dreyfus and Esperage must have been the falsely accused Jewish officers and the traitors who sold military secrets.
What matters are the motives and ideas that have moved the demands for retrial and the opposition to the retrial? Those who rejected the republic, those who believed that they could conceal the truth and suppress human rights if necessary to protect the prestige of the military, racists and Christian believers who instigated the public by citing non-existent Jewish international organizations, and capitalists who thought that social chaos hindered economic development formed opposition to the retrial. Republicans who believed that protecting civil liberties and rights following the spirit of the great revolution made it worthwhile to protect national security, humanists who opposed racism, intellectuals who thought and judged based on facts and truth, and socialists who rejected all kinds of discrimination and inequality were the main pillars of the retrial demands.