Manifesto in Support of the Jews of Metz supporting the removal of the tax payable...

Capital city of the Lorraine area of France, Metz has had a Jewish community since the 3rd century and this became more significant after the 16th century; Jews were however subject to extra taxation, one of the most notable examples being the 'Brancas' tax imposed in 1715 by Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, Regent of France from 1715 to 1723; this gave 20,000 livres annually to a favourite, the Duc de Brancas, who received 75% of the tax, 25 % going to a mistress of the Regent, the Comtesse de Fontaine; the additional taxation was a heavy burden on the Jewish citizens of Metz and was abolished during the French Revolution;