==The Birth of Modern Yiddish Literature in Eastern Europe==

===The Haskalah===

The Haskalah, also known as the Jewish Enlightenment, was an intellectual movement amongst European Jews that was inspired by the European Enlightenment ((Weinreich, 2008)). Based on rationality, this movement primarily occurred between the 1770’s to the late 1880’s. During this period a literary language based on the Yiddish dialects of Eastern Europe was born. This written language served the masses of Eastern Europe. At the time, only the more educated and wealthy were familiar with Hebrew. Yiddish also served as the language for women in regards to practicing Judaism and reading the Torah ((Weinreich, 2008)).

===The Russian Revolution of 1905===

The Russian Revolution of 1905 served as the main impetus towards the emergence of Jewish popular culture in Eastern Europe. The czarist rule of both Alexander II and Alexander III preceded this revolution and played a critical role in the development of Jewish popular culture as well ((Greenspoon, 1998)). Alexander II was responsible for the emancipation of the surfs in Russia, and although he is often cited as being more lenient and favorable towards the Jewish population, Jews still faced limitations under his rule, hindering the development of any type of popular culture. After evidence “suggested” that a Jewish man was involved in the czar’s assassination, Alexander III placed further restrictions on the Jews, including banning all forms of Yiddish theatre. Throughout this period, pogroms, violent riots targeted against Jews, were often staged ((Greenspoon, 1998)). The severe restrictions and violent attacks faced by Jews often forced many of them to emigrate Russia and travel to other European countries or New York ((Weinreich, 2008)).

Shortly after the death of Alexander III, the Russian Revolution of 1905 took place. The revolution consisted of a wave of mass political unrest and was characterized by worker strikes, terrorism, and peasant unrest. Also known as the Russian Populist Movement, the revolution further served as a reason for Jews to flee the country. It concluded with the establishment of a temporary government, the State Duma of the Russian Empire. Although the established government only lasted for a limited time, Jews attained new freedoms and rights ((Weinreich, 2008)). The freedom of expression allowed under this government directly resulted in a massive desire for Jewish theater, art, literature and music, all of which suffered severe restrictions under the czarist regime ((Greenspoon, 1998)).

Alexander III

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