Holocaust and Human Relations

The Crusades

Nov 27, 1095

The Crusades was a series of holy wars, in which the Pope promises rewards for anyone who fought. It lasted from the 11th century to the 13th century. The Crusades involved armies of Christians from Western Europe and Muslims. The Crusaders were on a quest to conquer the Holy Land- Jerusalem- from the Muslims. Tens and thousands of people died on this conquest, and even the Crusaders themselves suffered. It is estimated that only 20 people even survived to reach the Holy Land.

The Black Death

Feb 16, 1347

The Black Death was a huge outbreak disease that started in 1347 and lasted until 1353. It first arrived in Britain from central Asia and was quickly spread throughout all of Europe within the next year. Once someone was infected with this disease, and if it was spread to your lungs, you were dead within a few days. Over a 5 year period from 1347 to 1352, an estimated 25 million people died.

Egyptians Act

Feb 26, 1530

The Egyptians Act of 1530 was act that was passed by King Henry VIII that expelled all Roma people (gypsies) from England. This act was called the "Egyptians Act" because English people believed that Roma people were from Egypt. The act prevented any new Roma from entering the country, and it gave Roma living there 16 days to leave. They were kicked out because it was thought that the Roma were stealing people's stuff. This Act was passed again by Queen Mary I because not every "Egyptian" left.

Buggery Act

Feb 26, 1533

The Buggery Act or 1533 was an act that was passed by the British Parliment, defining "buggery" as an "unnatural sexual act against the will of God and man." This act was the first national law in England making sodomy a capital offense. This act remained in place until it was repealed in 1828, and buggery remained a capital offense until 1861.

Cum Nimis Absurdum

Feb 17, 1555

Cum Nimis Absurdum was a speech made by Pope Paul IV in 1555 blaming Jews for the death of Jesus. This speech had several effects on the Jewish community, such as, forcing Jews to wear yellow hats, Jews were only allowed one synagogue per territory, and it also banned Jews from selling food. This speech was intended to make Jews convert, but this did not work.

Execution of James Pratt & John Smith

Nov 26, 1835

James Pratt and John Smith were both London men, who were both executed in England for sodomy. The two men were charged with having sex with each other and they were later hanged. The case of these two men was the last execution for sodomy in England. Homophobia remained, it was the end of sodomy executions in England.