Q1. [4]
Many historians have argued that print culture created the conditions within which French Revolution occurred. Some arguments have been usually put forward in this context. First : print popularised the ideas of the Enlightenment thinkers. Collectively, their writings provided a critical commentary on tradition, superstition and despotism. They argued for the rule of reason rather than custom, and demanded that everything be judged through the application of reason and rationality. They attacked the sacred authority of the Church and the despotic power of the state, thus eroding 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. Second : print created a new culture of dialogue and debate. All values, norms and institutions were re-evaluated and discussed by a public that had become aware of the power of reason, and recognised the need to question existing ideas and beliefs. Within this public culture, new ideas of social revolution came into being.
Read the given source and answer the questions that follow :
- 34.1 What impact did the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers have on society ? [1]
- 34.2 How did print culture affect religion in France ? [1]
- 34.3 How did print culture contribute to the social revolution in France ? [2]
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2025 32/2/1 Q34
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:59 · grounding stimulus
Model Answer
(34.1) The ideas of Enlightenment thinkers, spread through print, made society questioning, critical and rational. People began to judge everything through reason rather than tradition or custom, eroding the legitimacy of the old social order.
(34.2) Print culture helped attack the sacred authority of the Church by spreading writings that questioned religious superstition and tradition. This eroded the Church's authority and weakened its hold over French society.
(34.3) Print created a new culture of dialogue and debate. All values, norms and institutions were re-evaluated by a public aware of the power of reason. People questioned existing ideas and beliefs, and within this public culture, new ideas of social revolution came into being, contributing directly to the French Revolution.
Source: Print Culture and the Modern World, The French Revolution and Print
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Explanation
- 34.1 focuses on the social impact of Enlightenment ideas — key phrase is "new eyes: questioning, critical and rational."
- 34.2 is specifically about religion — pick the line about attacking the "sacred authority of the Church."
- 34.3 carries 2 marks, so give two connected points: (i) culture of dialogue/debate, (ii) new ideas of social revolution emerged from it. Always use passage language for source-based questions — examiners reward it.
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