Question

Why did people in 18th century where in Europe think that the print culture would bring enlighment and end dispotism . Explain the factor responsible for creating a reading mania in Europe?

Answer 1

Dear Student,

Print culture enlightened the masses with values such as individual liberty, equality etc that would lead to better socioeconomic conditions than under a monarch who only increases the taxes against the wishes of the people. Thus, it was novel thing that was consumed by most number people leading to a reading mania.

Print culture was used to many activists and social thinkers to spread their ideas about governance, civil, social rights etc. It was affordable by a large number of people. thus, it was an effective medium to carry nationalist messages and played in an important role in bringing about social change.

Print culture also serves a an vent for expression peoples's views on critical issues. policies etc. Especially during those times it was the only medium of communication before the dawn of the technology such as radio , TV etc which was out of the reach for many people.