Lachrymose conception of Jewish history

The lachrymose conception of Jewish history is a historiographical theory, paradigm, or narrative of Jewish history that emphasizes and focuses on the suffering and persecution of Jews. The term was coined by Austrian-born American scholar Salo Wittmayer Baron, who criticized the pessimistic approaches of historians Heinrich Graetz and Joseph ha-Kohen toward medieval history specifically. It has come to more broadly reflect attitudes toward assimilation and antisemitism within the study of Jewish history. Baron's critique has been debated within Jewish historiography, with opposition from scholars such as Yitzhak Baer. The concept remains a focal point in discussions of Jewish historical narratives, particularly in relation to Zionist historiography and diaspora studies.