Why did the Dreyfus case play a big role in French history?

All progressive people of France and many other states protested against the decision of the French military court regarding the soldier D. Dreyfus. French justice accused the officer of espionage for German intelligence. The fraudulent facts and lack of evidence drew sharp criticism from the French intelligentsia and distrust of the competence of the military court. E. Zola spoke openly about the hostile attitude of the judges to the nationality of the captain. D. Dreyfus was born in Alsace into a Jewish family. The defendant’s lawyers were able to obtain a review of the case and won the appeal court.