34 Facts About Angel Makers Of Nagyrev

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Who were the Angel Makers of Nagyrev? The Angel Makers of Nagyrev were a group of women in a small Hungarian village who, between 1914 and 1929, poisoned dozens of people. These women, often trapped in unhappy marriages or difficult family situations, turned to arsenic as their deadly solution. Led by midwife Julia Fazekas, they used arsenic extracted from flypaper to lace food and drinks. The victims were mostly husbands, but also included children and elderly relatives. This dark chapter in history highlights the desperate measures taken by women with limited options. The story of the Angel Makers remains a chilling reminder of how far people might go when pushed to their limits.

Key Takeaways:

The Angel Makers of Nagyrev were a group of women in Hungary who used arsenic to murder abusive or unwanted men, revealing the desperate conditions they faced during World War I.
Their story sheds light on the lack of support for abused women and the consequences of social isolation, sparking discussions about gender, justice, and the impact of war on communities.

Table of Contents

The Angel Makers of Nagyrev: A Dark Chapter in History

The Angel Makers of Nagyrev were a group of women from a small Hungarian village who committed a series of murders in the early 20th century. Their story is both chilling and fascinating, revealing much about the social conditions of the time.

Origins of the Angel Makers

Understanding the origins of the Angel Makers provides context for their actions. This small village became infamous due to a series of tragic events.

The village of Nagyrev is located in Hungary, a country in Central Europe.
During World War I, many men from Nagyrev were away fighting, leaving women to manage households alone.
A midwife named Zsuzsanna Fazekas played a central role in the Angel Makers' activities.
Fazekas was known for her knowledge of poisons, particularly arsenic.
The women of Nagyrev sought Fazekas' help to deal with abusive or unwanted husbands.

The Murders Begin

The murders committed by the Angel Makers were methodical and sinister. These women used their knowledge of poisons to carry out their deadly plans.

Arsenic was the poison of choice for the Angel Makers.
The poison was often obtained by soaking flypaper in water to extract the arsenic.
Victims were typically men who were abusive, alcoholic, or simply unwanted.
The murders were often disguised as natural deaths or accidents.
Over time, the number of victims grew, raising suspicions among villagers.

The Role of Zsuzsanna Fazekas

Zsuzsanna Fazekas was a key figure in the Angel Makers' activities. Her influence and knowledge made her a central player in this dark chapter.

Fazekas was a midwife, giving her access to many households.
She was known for her ability to provide "solutions" to women's problems.
Fazekas taught other women how to prepare and administer arsenic.
She was seen as a trusted figure in the community, which helped her avoid suspicion.
Her involvement in the murders spanned several years.

The Unraveling of the Angel Makers

Eventually, the activities of the Angel Makers came to light. Investigations and trials revealed the extent of their crimes.

Suspicion grew as the number of sudden deaths in Nagyrev increased.
In 1929, authorities began investigating the unusual number of deaths.
Exhumations of bodies revealed high levels of arsenic.
Many women in the village were arrested and questioned.
The trials of the Angel Makers attracted widespread attention.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The legacy of the Angel Makers of Nagyrev is a grim reminder of the lengths people will go to escape desperate situations. Their story continues to fascinate and horrify.

Several women were convicted and sentenced to death or long prison terms.
Zsuzsanna Fazekas reportedly committed suicide before she could be tried.
The exact number of victims is unknown but is estimated to be over 50.
The case highlighted issues of domestic abuse and the lack of support for women.
The Angel Makers' story has been the subject of books, documentaries, and films.

Social and Cultural Impact

The story of the Angel Makers had a significant impact on Hungarian society and beyond. It brought attention to broader social issues.

The case raised awareness about the plight of women in rural Hungary.
It highlighted the lack of legal and social support for abused women.
The Angel Makers' actions were seen as a form of rebellion against oppressive conditions.
The story has been used to discuss the consequences of social isolation and desperation.
It remains a topic of interest for historians and criminologists.

Modern Interpretations

Today, the story of the Angel Makers is interpreted in various ways, reflecting changing attitudes towards gender and justice.

Some view the Angel Makers as victims of their circumstances.
Others see them as cold-blooded murderers.
The story is often used to discuss the impact of war on small communities.
It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and influence.

The Chilling Legacy of the Angel Makers

The Angel Makers of Nagyrev left a haunting mark on history. Between 1914 and 1929, this small Hungarian village witnessed a series of poisonings that claimed the lives of over 40 people. The culprits, mostly women, used arsenic to rid themselves of unwanted husbands, lovers, and relatives. This dark chapter highlights the desperation and oppression faced by these women, trapped in abusive relationships and societal constraints.

The story of the Angel Makers serves as a grim reminder of the lengths people might go when pushed to their limits. It also underscores the importance of addressing domestic abuse and providing support for those in need. While the events in Nagyrev are chilling, they offer valuable lessons about human nature, justice, and the need for compassion in our communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat were the Angel Makers of Nagyrév?

They were a group of women living in the Hungarian village of Nagyrév, who between 1914 and 1929, were responsible for possibly the largest series of poisonings in the 20th century. These women, led by a midwife named Susanna Fazekas, eliminated their husbands and others using arsenic, earning their grim nickname.

QHow did the Angel Makers get their arsenic?

Susanna Fazekas, the ringleader, supplied most of the arsenic. Initially, she obtained it from a local chemist, claiming it was for killing rats. Over time, as their deeds escalated, they found more secretive methods to acquire or produce the poison.

QWhy did they commit these crimes?

Various reasons drove the women of Nagyrév to become Angel Makers. Some sought escape from abusive relationships, others were motivated by financial gain, and a few were influenced by peer pressure within their community. It was a complex mix of personal and societal factors.

QHow many victims were there?

Estimates vary widely, with numbers ranging from about 40 to over 300 victims over the 15-year period. The exact count remains uncertain due to the secretive nature of these crimes and the passage of time.

QHow were the Angel Makers caught?

Their crimes came to light after a doctor, suspicious of the high death rate in Nagyrév, ordered autopsies on some of the deceased. These examinations revealed arsenic as the cause of death, leading to an investigation that eventually uncovered the extent of the poisonings.

QWhat happened to them after they were caught?

Once discovered, many of the Angel Makers were arrested. Susanna Fazekas and several others were tried and convicted. Some received the death penalty, while others were sentenced to prison. The case shocked Hungary and drew attention to the desperate conditions many women faced in rural areas during that era.

QAre there any books or documentaries about the Angel Makers?

Yes, the story of the Angel Makers of Nagyrév has inspired several books, documentaries, and articles. These works explore not only the crimes themselves but also the social and historical context that allowed such a tragedy to unfold. They provide a deeper look into one of the most chilling episodes in Hungarian history.

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