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Today in Labor History August 22, 1614: The Fettmilch Rising occurred in Frankfurt, a pogrom by artisans against the Jews. Vincenz Fettmilch led the riot through the Judengasse (Jewish Ghetto), attacking and looting their properties and expelling the Jews from the city. The Frankfurt Judengasse was one of the earliest and largest ghettos in Germany. The pogrom was a classic case of dividing the lower classes and pitting them against each other. The guilds wanted more political power and a reduction in grain prices, which they blamed on the money-lenders in the ghetto. The Town Council had reached an agreement with Fettmilch, granting the guilds increased power and rights. However, when the public learned about the city’s extensive debts, Fettmilch deposed the Council and seized the city gates. The emperor demanded a reinstatement of the Town Council and threatened anyone who opposed him with an Imperial Interdiction. The rebellious craftsmen took to the streets, directing its anger against the weakest member of the dispute, the Jews. All inhabitants were driven into the Jewish Cemetery, while the mob plundered their homes. Next month, the emperor arrested and executed Fettmilch and his followers for their persecution of the Jews. Imperial soldiers escorted the Jews back into Frankfurt. The soldier erected a stone Imperial Eagle above the gates with the inscription: “Protected by the Roman Imperial Majesty and the Holy Empire.”