Question

Why do some historians think that print culture created the basis for the French Revolution?

Answer 1

Instructions:
Detail the impact of print culture on the French revolution on the following lines:

• Motivated the public to question, criticise, and think rationally.
• Developed the public culture of debate and dialogue.
• Created a sense of hostility against the monarchy.

Solution:

The print culture did create the basis for the French Revolution.

• The writings of the Enlightenment thinkers, such as Voltaire and Rousseau, were popularised by print. These writings were critical and argued for the rule of reason rather than custom or traditions. Thus, the public became aware of the power of reason and recognised the need for challenging existing ideas and beliefs.
• Public reassessed and discussed the existing values, norms, and institutions as a result of the public culture of debate and dialogue developed by the print culture. Thus, new ideas of social revolution evolved among them.
• The literature of the 1780s mocked the royalty and criticised their morality. The cartoons and caricatures depicted the indifference of the monarchy towards the sufferings of the common people. As a result, a sense of hostility grew in the people against the monarchy. This literature was circulated secretly.