What was the role of print culture in french revolution
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What role was played by the print culture in bringing the French Revolution? ... (it) Print created a new culture of dialogue and debate. All values, norms and institutions were re-evaluated and public recognised the need to question existing ideas and beliefs.
Role of print revolution in French Revolution (i) Print popularised the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers. Collectively, their writing provided a critical commentary on tradition, superstition and disposition. They argued for the rule of reason than custom. (ii) They attacked the sacred authority of the Church and despotic power of the state. This eroded the authority of a social order based on tradition. The writings of Voltaire and Rousseau made readers see the world through new eyes, eyes that questioned and were rational and critical. (iii) Secondly, print created a new culture of dialogue and debate. Now all values, norms and institutions were re-evaluated and discussed by the public, now aware of their power to question existing beliefs and ideas. It led to new ideas of social revolution. Thirdly, by the 1780s there was an output of literature that mocked reoyalty and questioned their morality. Cartoons and caricatures presented monarchy interested only in their own pleasures, while the ordinary people suffered immense hardships. Literature spread hostile sentiments against the monarchy, though it was circulated underground. But we must remember that to combat the above ideas was the influence of the Church. If people read Voltaire and Rousseau, they were also exposed to monarchical and Church propoganda. So print did not directly shape their minds, but it made it possible for people to think differently.
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