Which factor contributed to the increase of the Jewish population in Eastern Europe?

The increase of the Jewish population in Eastern Europe was significantly influenced by the expulsion of Jewish communities from various Western European countries during the late Middle Ages and into the early modern period. Between the 13th and 16th centuries, Jews faced increasing persecution, including expulsions from places like England, France, and Spain. As these communities were uprooted and forced to flee, many sought refuge in Eastern Europe, particularly in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which had relatively more religious tolerance at the time.

This influx of Jewish migrants led to the establishment of vibrant Jewish communities in Eastern Europe, marked by the development of distinct cultural, religious, and economic practices. The acceptance and relative safety of Eastern Europe provided a haven for those escaping persecution, contributing directly to the growth of Jewish populations in that region.

While access to farmland, religious acceptance, and involvement in feudal systems are factors that played roles in Jewish life in Eastern Europe, they are secondary to the impact of mass migration caused by expulsion from Western Europe. The primary catalyst for the demographic shift was indeed the forced relocation following expulsions.