Why did some people in eighteenth century Europe think that print culture would bring enlightenment and end despotism?
By the mid-eighteenth century, there was a common conviction that books were a means of spreading progress and enlightenment. Many believed that books could change the world, liberate society from despotism and tyranny. They felt that it would herald a time when reason and intellect would rule.
Louise-Sebastien Mercier, a novelist in eighteenth-century France, said that the printing press was the most powerful engine of progress and public opinion was the force that will sweep despotism away.
In many of Mercier's novels, the heroes are transformed by acts of reading and become enlightened in the process. He was convinced that the power of print would bring enlightenment and destroying the basis of despotism.
Mercier proclaimed: ‘Tremble, therefore, tyrants of the world! Tremble before the virtual writer!'
Print popularised the ideas of the Enlightenment thinkers. Their writings provided a critical commentary on tradition, superstition and despotism. They argued for the rule of reason rather than the rule of custom, and demanded that everything be judged through the application of reason and rationality.
The Enlightenment thinkers attacked the sacred authority of the Church and the despotic power of the state. This wore down the legitimacy of a social order based on tradition. The writings of Voltaire and Rousseau were read widely; and those who read these books saw the world through new eyes, eyes that were
Questioning, critical and rational.
Name the printing presses which published numerous religious texts in vernaculars from the 1880s.
Explain the main features of the first printed Bible. [CBSE Sept. 2010]
Or
Describe any three main features of the first printed Bible. [CBSE 2014]
How did printing press create a new- reading public ? Explain. [CBSF. Sept. 2013]
Or
"There was a virtual reading mania in European countries in the 18th century". Explain the factors responsible for this virtual reading mania.
Print popularised the ideas of the Enlightenment thinkers.' Explain. [CBSE 2014]
Or
How did ideas about science, reason and rationality find their way into popular literature in the 18th century Europe ? [CBSE Sept. 2010]
Explain how the print culture assisted the growth of nationalism in India. [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2011]
Trace the growth and development of print technology.
Or
How had the earliest print technology developed in the world ? Explain.
Study the given paragraph and answer the following questions that follow :
Liberty of speech…. liberty of the press freedom of association. The government of India is now seeking to crush the three powerful vehicles of expressing and cultivating public opinion. The fight for Swaraj, for Khilafat …. means a fight for this threatened freedom before all else ….'
(i) Who said these words ?
(ii) Name the freedoms he is talking about.
Why were the printed books popular even among illiterate people ? [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2012]
The shift from handprinting to mechanical printing led to the print revolution.’ Explain.
State any three points of importance of penny chapbooks. [CBSE Sept. 2010.2011]
Or
Describe some of the new printed books which were sold by the pedlars in villages in the eighteenth century Europe. [CBSE-2012, 2014]
Print not only stimulate the publication of conflicting opinions amongst communities, but it also connected communities and people in different parts of India.' Explain. [CBSE 2008 (O), 2009 (D), Sept. 2011]
Or
How did print help connect communities and people in different parts of India ? Explain with examples. [CBSE Sept. 2010, 2011]
Who was the major producer of printed material in China ? For what purpose this material was used ?
Name an Act which was passed by the British government to keep a regular track of the vernacular newspapers.
Write about the different innovations in the printing technology during the 19th century ? [CBSE Sept. 2010]
Why did some people in eighteenth century Europe think that print culture would bring enlightenment and end despotism?
How did Gutenberg personalise the printed hooks suiting to the tastes and requirement of others ? [CBSE 2012]